In honor of Juneteenth, we’ll highlight the work of classical composers and performers of African descent, both past and present, on Saturday, June 19. The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom, education, and achievement. Tune in during Car Tunes and Intermezzo to hear recordings from composers such as R. Nathaniel Dett, William Grant Still, Adolphus Hailstork, Valerie Coleman, and H. Leslie Adams; conductors Paul Freeman, James DePreist, and Damon Gupton; and performers including Natalie Hinderas, Leon Bates, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, and the Sphinx Virtuosi.

We’ll also offer two special programs during the day:

At 11 a.m., Fields of Wonder from American Public Media: Join host Andrea Blain and the vocal ensemble Cantus for a concert celebrating music composed by Black artists, featuring the song cycle Fields of Wonder by Margaret Bonds, which sets poetry of Langston Hughes.

At 4 p.m., Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth with Lara Downes, a special presentation from Classical California, a partnership of KUSC Los Angeles and KDFC San Francisco: In this one-hour special, Lara takes listeners on a unique journey with the music of Black composers from Florence Price to Bob Marley, and performers like Jessye Norman and the Kanneh-Mason family, in an exploration of musical heritage and a celebration of freedom.

And at 8 p.m., This Just In will showcase recent releases including selections from Rising Sun Music, a transformative series of recordings featuring music by Black composers spanning nearly 200 years, and a newly reissued collection of recordings by Black classical artists from the early twentieth century.

You can also listen online.