BlackClassics
Black Classical Musicians
Historical Musicians
BlackClassics aims to raise awareness of historical classical musicians of African and Caribbean origin and promotes present-day musicians through education and entertainment, showing their continuing presence throughout European history and into the present day.Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, 1745-1799
These musicians, who have chosen to play music in the Western classical tradition, have had their achievements and contributions denied, undermined and ignored. Some have been linked to the most well-known names in European classical music, and others were even linked to royalty! However, no mention is made of these musicians who shared their musical lives.
Black classical musicians were present throughout some of the most important events on the European and world history stage including the English Tudor Dynasty, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, Transatlantic Enslavement and two World Wars.
Whether as instrumentalists, vocalists, composers or conductors, Black musicians are continuing to influence European classical music. Select a name from the list below to view biographies, portraits and sources of music by some of these forgotten Black classical musicians from Europe.
Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges An 18th century French musician of remarkable talent.
George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower Composer who performed with some of Europe's greatest classical musicians.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Recognised today as Britian's greatest Black classical musician.
Joseph Antonio Emidy One of Britain's most celebrated 19th century musicians.
Ignatius Sancho Accomplished British musician and respected literary figure.
Visit the Music Store for more music, downloads and books by musicians from around the world.
Read about black classical musicians in the Official Guide to Black History Month (Entertainment archive pages).
Biographies - Sheet Music - Downloads - Recordings - And More...
