Music

For centuries Chevalier has had the nickname "The Black Mozart" but as one author wrote that it might be more accurate to call Mozart “The White Chevalier.”

Timeline: Chevalier Part 5 - The White Chevalier

James Stewart

We’ve been exploring the life of Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. It’s now time to address the elephant in the room. Anyone who has studied or listened to the music of Chevalier will know him by a particular nickname, “The Black Mozart” a title given after his death.

The French Revolution proclaimed equality for all, which meant the abolition of slavery and Chevalier was on board. He joined in 1789 and was eventually appointed a colonel of the first corps of light troops in all of Europe that was made up of men of color.

Vermont Public Classical

Timeline: Chevalier Part 4 - Revolution

James Stewart

Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a world-renowned fencer, a composer, violinist and conductor in 18th century France. Even with all of his success, there was a limit to what Chevalier was allowed to achieve.

Mélisande Corriveau and Eric Milnes live in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. They founded the ensemble L’Harmonie des Saisons a way of bringing their work home.

Vermont Public Classical

Faure's "Requiem" as you've never heard it before

James Stewart

Classical host, James Stewart, speaks with Eric Milnes and Mélisande Corriveau, the co-founders and directors of L'Harmonie des Saisons ahead of the ensemble's performance of Gabriel Faure's "Requiem."

Audra McDonald juggles being a change-maker with being a healthy mother, wife, and performer and sometimes even soft, Black woman.

Homegoings

That soft strength: A conversation with Audra McDonald

Myra Flynn

Audra McDonald, singer, broadway and television star — is a household name. As well as being the winner of six Tony Awards, two Grammys and an Emmy, The 53-year-old is also a bit of a truth-teller, to say the least. Earlier this summer, we sat down with Audra for a conversation on life, activism and navigating an artistic career in traditionally white spaces.

This 1789 illustration of Chevalier de Saint-Georges shows just why he was nicknamed “the god of arms,” being well-versed in many different kinds of physical combat.

Vermont Public Classical

Timeline: Chevalier Part 3 - Rising star

James Stewart

This is our third episode exploring the life of 18th Century French composer, violinist and conductor Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. In this episode we’ll dive into the early life of this multi-talented prodigy.

Vermont Public Classical

Celebrate Public Radio Music Day with Vermont Public Classical!

Helen Lyons

Celebrate the gift of music with Vermont Public Classical, as we observe Public Radio Music Day–honoring the beauty of music and its power to connect us to our local community. Join Vermont Public Classical hosts Helen Lyons, Walter Parker and James Stewart as they bring you classical favorites and newly discovered gems to magnify the impact music has on our lives. Listen Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

18th century, French composer Chevalier de Saint-Georges was the son of a Senegalese enslaved individual and French aristocrat. This portrait of a young Saint-Georges was created in 1768.

Vermont Public Classical

Timeline: Chevalier Part 2 - Dear 'ole dad

James Stewart

Timeline is diving into the life of 18th century, French composer Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. In this episode we'll learn about Chevalier’s parents and especially his aristocratic father.

There’s been recent interest in the music of Classical violinist, conductor and composer, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Ensembles have been performing and recording his music for the past couple of decades and just last year there was a biopic called Chevalier!

Vermont Public Classical

Timeline: Chevalier, reintroducing a Black genius

James Stewart

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was an 18th century French composer, violinist and conductor of mixed race. Why was this talented individual, who was quite well known in his day, all but forgotten in ours?

Media

How Vermont opera companies are becoming more accessible

Mikaela Lefrak

Host Mikaela Lefrak chats with directors at Opera Vermont and Opera Company of Middlebury as well as Vermont Public Classical's Helen Lyons on recent opera news around Vermont.

Host Myra Flynn sits down with artist Stephanie Wilson in her first interview since her double mastectomy and breast cancer diagnosis.

Homegoings

Breaking the cycle of secrets: A conversation with Stephanie Wilson

Myra Flynn

Host Myra Flynn sits down with artist Stephanie Wilson in her first interview since her double mastectomy and breast cancer diagnosis. Together they talk about her ongoing journey toward healing, and her work to break the generational cycle of secrets she believes made her sick in the first place.