Episode 3 Restaging Classical Music for Social Relevance: Monica Ellis and Toyin Spellman-Diaz of Imani Winds

How are classical musicians speaking to the times in which they live? Band kids turned classical virtuosas, Monica Ellis and Toyin Spellman-Diaz have performed with Imani Winds since its founding more than 25 years ago. True to its beginnings, this predominantly people of color woodwind ensemble continues to break new ground with their socially relevant programming and physically demanding musical repertory. In this episode, they share personal and poignant stories filled with justice-minded strategies that will inspire instrumentalists to compose, collaborate, and commission works of consequence.  The twice GRAMMY nominated Imani Winds has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers of color, contributing to expanding the wind quintet repertoire. The group’s role in transforming classical music is recognized with a permanent presence in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The music featured in this episode is from the album "Bruits" produced by Bright Shiny Things: Bassoon Example: Sometimes: I. Prolog Oboe Example: Bruits: V. masse Frederic Rzewski Example: Sometimes: II. Sometimes Vijay Iyer Example: Bruits: I. gulf