Lara Downes appears in the following:
Celebrating an American Anthem: 'Rhapsody in Blue'
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Classical pianist Lara Downes previews a free outdoor concert in which she'll perform a re-imagining of George Gershwin's groundbreaking "Rhapsody in Blue."
'Rhapsody In Blue' Inspires at 100
Monday, February 12, 2024
Today marks 100 years to the day since George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" premiered at the Aeolian Hall in New York City.
The curious mind — and hard work — of bassist Christian McBride
Thursday, November 16, 2023
The Grammy-winning bassist, bandleader and broadcaster talks about his love for music, family ties in the jazz world, and the thrill of sitting in with Wynton Marsalis as a teenager.
How Corinne Bailey Rae and Theaster Gates are preserving Black culture
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
On her album, Black Rainbows, Bailey Rae was inspired by the art, books and magazines at the Stony Island Arts Bank, a repository for Black history on Chicago's South Side, created by Gates.
Allison Russell finds transformative musical power in community
Monday, September 11, 2023
With help from a sisterhood of musicians, the Canadian singer-songwriter and activist has triumphed over trauma to become a distinguished figure on the Americana scene.
Linguist John McWhorter views American music through a wide lens
Thursday, August 03, 2023
The Columbia University professor and New York Times columnist traces the intersecting lines of race and music in American history.
Remembering André Watts, the American pianist who opened doors of possibility
Monday, July 17, 2023
The pianist, who died last week, was an inspiration to a generation of Black and brown musicians who followed in his pioneering footsteps.
Samora Pinderhughes promotes healing one day at a time
Thursday, July 06, 2023
The multidisciplinary artist addresses systems of oppression by collecting and sharing stories through music, film and visual art.
Pianist Gerald Clayton's open-hearted dialog across genres
Tuesday, June 06, 2023
The thoughtful pianist with a jazz pedigree talks about blurring the boundaries between jazz and classical, the pitfalls of music education, and harmonious rides in elevators.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi wants everyone to have a seat at his table
Friday, May 05, 2023
Every dish tells a story for the award-winning New York chef, who creates menus inspired by his Nigerian, creole and South Bronx roots.
Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard's unexpected path into the opera house
Friday, April 14, 2023
The five-time Grammy winner has mounted two operas at the Metropolitan Opera, which until 2021 had never staged a work by a Black composer. Hear him discuss the future of opera with Lara Downes.
Jessie Montgomery, composing from a place of self-honor
Wednesday, March 01, 2023
Watch Lara Downes' conversation with the composer-in-residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra about balancing her roots, her craft and the shifting field of classical music.
Jazz singer Samara Joy embraces the past while making music for the future
Thursday, February 02, 2023
Watch Lara Downes' conversation with the 23-year-old, Grammy-nominated sensation about balancing the demands of a surging career and the women artists who paved the way.
Get Lit: Musical Guest Lara Downes
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Pianist Lara Downes joins as the musical guest at our July Get Lit radio special!
Songs to believe in: A Juneteenth playlist
Thursday, June 16, 2022
This Juneteenth, pianist Lara Downes remembers the freedom that has been hard fought and hard won.
Black Voices in American Music: The Playlist
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Some of the first truly American music was created by Black voices. In this playlist, pianist Lara Downes offers a broad range of songs that speak to the irrepressible, irresistible sound of hope.
Reconsidering Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer'
Monday, February 07, 2022
The king of ragtime published his hit tune 120 years ago. Pianist Lara Downes believes the piece helped shape the future of American music.
Your Music Saved My Life: Ledisi Talks With Lara Downes
Saturday, August 28, 2021
The versatile and impassioned singer was ready to throw in the towel until she heard a message in a Nina Simone song that told her, "You're going be fine. I understand how you feel. Keep going."
Identity And Dance: Camille A. Brown Talks With Lara Downes
Saturday, August 14, 2021
The groundbreaking choreographer, who is also the first Black director at the Metropolitan Opera, says she found self-expression through dance.
Pandemic Lessons: Elaine Welteroth And Jonathan Singletary Talk With Lara Downes
Saturday, July 31, 2021
The creative couple, who married in 2020, thrive on gratitude, community and the new approaches they've taken in the wake of the pandemic.
