Stories/Features
(link to each feature in photo)

A short essay written on the power and COMPLICITY of classical music, in light of the death of George Floyd.

Garrett McQueen joined MPR's Angela Davis to talk about his 10 favorite musical works, his new podcast and the intersection of race and classical music.

If you’ve ever wondered how radio playlists are created, this is the "Sticky Notes" episode for you. In this conversation, Joshua Weilerstein explores Garrett’s tireless advocacy on behalf of diversity in classical music. They also gently debated Garrett’s disdain for Brahms and Gershwin.

For special features and interviews produced by Garrett McQueen at WUOT, click the image above.

America's relationships with slavery, the civil rights movement and modern race-based challenges aren't the only things to think about for Black History Month. Members of the African diaspora, in the United States and around the world, have contributed to classical music since there was a "classical music." Here are nine notable performances of black pieces of music to explore.

​In February of 2013 I was invited for the first time to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. In addition to maintaining a relationship with the SSO, I've spoken on Sphinx Connect panels, and participated in the annual conference in many other ways. In this feature I write about the Sphinx Virtuosi ensemble, and their visit to the Twin Cities!

The second time I had the honor of playing Carnegie Hall was with the Illharmonic Orchestra - a group that explores the intersection of hip-hop and classical. Their new album, "Maniac Maestro", is hot! In this feature I talk about my relationship with the group's leaders, and the important work they're doing.

For many Americans, July 4, 1776, was the ultimate day of freedom, but unfortunately, it wasn't actually a day of liberty and justice for all. Across the South, Afro-Americans were still enslaved, and it wouldn't be until June 19, 1865, when they all would be freed. It was on that day when a Union Army general rode down to Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was over. That news meant all slaves must be freed at once. It's a day still celebrated among Afro-Americans as a holiday called Juneteenth.

America's relationships with slavery, the civil rights movement and modern race-based challenges aren't the only things to think about for Black History Month. Members of the African diaspora, in the United States and around the world, have contributed to classical music since there was a "classical music." Here are nine notable performances of black pieces of music to explore.