Are there any black violinists?
Collectively these African-American violinists have contributed to a continuum of violin music, which still rolls on today. Black violinist such as Aaron Paul Dworkin; carry on the excellent artistry that has always accompanied them. Classically trained, Dworkin is one of the top violinists in the country.
What is the agenda of Black Violin?
Black Violin spoke with NPR’s Rachel Martin about challenging stereotypes, finding creative space during lockdown and the collaborative nature of live audiences. Hear the radio version at the audio link, and read on for an edited transcript.
Where are the black violins from?
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Black Violin/Origin
Who are the two black violinists?
Black Violin is an American hip hop duo from Fort Lauderdale, Florida comprising two classically trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B. Kev Marcus plays the violin, and Wil B. plays the viola.
How did Black Violin get famous?
They formed the group Black Violin in 2004, and made their first big break at New York’s famed Apollo Theater. Soon after, Alicia Keys’ management invited them to play with her at the Billboard Music Awards. Today, the duo is a worldwide sensation known for mixing classical with hip hop.
What stereotype are the black violins trying to break with their music?
The members of Black Violin want to change perceptions about who can play what kind of music. Wil Baptiste on viola and Kev Marcus on violin met as high school orchestra nerds. Today they play genre-bending music, blending classical music with hip-hop.
How the black violin ensemble breaks musical stereotypes?
Two former high school orchestra nerds use their love of Bach and Beethoven to break down stereotypes by reimagining classical music and connecting with new audiences. Both men are black, 6’2” and hope to show younger audiences that how you look does not make a difference when it comes to music.
When did Black Violin meet?
Meet Black Violin Guest Artists Black Violin performed February 14th, 2018 on Show 350 in San Antonio, Texas. Will B. and Kev Marcus, Black Violin, met while attending the famed Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they were trained in the classical tradition.
Where did Kev and Wil meet?
Kev Marcus (Kevin Sylvester) and Wil B (Wilner Baptiste) were just kids when they met in the orchestra room at Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the majority-black magnet school also counts Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano and upcoming Rum Tum Tugger Jason Derulo among its alumni).
