Classical Music and the Afro-American

At the time of this interview, he was one of three African-American men to ever receive a Met Opera contract.WNYC archives id: 74105

A soprano's transition from the wings to the footlights. WNYC archives id: 74107

A soprano of exceptional talent recalls her history-making opera debut in New York in the mid-1940s.WNYC archives id: 74106

This distinguished composer was a recluse, for him, even a telephone was too distracting. This was way before the internet and cellular service!WNYC archives id: 74100

He was the first black man to assume leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera.WNYC archives id: 74109

A gifted new composer discusses his debut album.WNYC archives id: 74101

One of the celebrated voices of our time was the first Black voice at the Bayreuth Festival.WNYC archives id: 74108

A classical composer whose work was heavily influenced by jazz talks to George Shirley about his upbringing and work.WNYC archives id: 74104

A concert pianist and festival founder with a grand reputation that precedes her.

A distinguished baritone comes to the studio as prelude to his 25th anniversary concert.

The exact date of this episode is unknown. We've filled in the date above with a placeholder. What we actually have on record is: 1975-uu-uu. One of the few African-American conductor...

The Rudolph Bing era ushered in African-American artists to the Met stage, among them, the trail-blazing Leontyne Price.WNYC archives id: 74103

Marian Anderson interviewed by George Shirley and interspersed with recordings of her performances.

They couldn't be with him in the studio, but George Shirley celebrates these two giants of the black voice.WNYC archives id: 74099

George Shirley discusses the history African-Americans and opera.