MusicUNTOLD

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a visionary leader whose courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire us. His dream of a more equitable, compassionate world reminds us that meaningful change begins with each of us. We celebrate his contributions to civil rights and his powerful message that we must work together to build a better future for all.

Join MusicUNTOLD and The Long Beach Central Area Association at the Long Beach Symphony for Tchaikovsky & Strauss on Jan 31 at 7:30 PM—an evening of world-class music performed by a diverse group of musicians.

Tickets: $25 | Suggested donation: $30 or more

All proceeds support MusicUNTOLD's mission to present arts and educational programming that celebrates diversity and human dignity. Your contribution matters.

Email [email protected] to reserve.

MusicUNTOLD is the arts production banner of Long Beach Central Area Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

The great Nina Simone on Black classical music. ❤️

Classically trained at Julliard, Simone’s influences ranged from Bach to the blues.

However, she faced racism throughout her career in her bid to become a leading African-American pianist. At her concert debut in 1943, when she was just 12 years old, her parents were forced to give up their front-row seats to white audience members. Simone refused to perform until they were allowed to return.

Simone felt that the term ‘jazz’ was often used to disparage and marginalise Black musicians. Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and John Coltrane also avoided the word.

She later expanded on this idea: “For years it was known as jazz, but it isn’t that. It’s a combination of gospel, pop, love songs, political songs, so it is Black-oriented classical music, that’s what it is.”

The term was revived by British artist Yussef Dayes, who in 2023 released a record called ‘Black Classical Music’. He said: “There are so many nuances that can’t be defined by one thing. I’ve had classical piano lessons. I’ve been to west Africa and seen instruments that predate the cello and violin, drums that were there before timpani. There are other histories that made me realise this is bigger than just a jazz record.”

Quotes: Far Out Magazine, Guardian

2024