Black Violin performed live from THE KATE, which is being broadcast on PBS stations throughout the US! Black Violin recently performed two sold out shows at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra as part of their “Classical Boom” tour.
Raised on a steady diet of both Hip Hop and classical music, violinist Kevin Sylvester (“Kev Marcus”) and violist Wilner Baptiste (“Wil B”) have built a musical style all their own—often described as “classical boom”—that shares one common theme from both genres: bringing people together.
The duo has shared the stage with such top names as Kanye West and Aerosmith, and collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. Now they join the NSO to showcase their dynamic performance style, bridging infectious beats and lyrical melodies with classical instrumentation and searing technique in a unique blend that defies expectations and shatters stereotypes.
WATCH NOW ON PBS: http://www.pbs.org/video/black-violin-3hdifg/
Their most recent record Stereotypes debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. And their next recording is due out in 2018!
“Their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”—NPR
“Black Violin upends cultural and musical stereotypes…an unexpected blend of classically trained musicianship and Hip Hop beats and inventiveness.”—The Miami Herald
“The duo elicits brilliant music with a poignant message for the world.”—Essence Magazine
COOL FACT!
Black Violin served as the house band for ESPN’s 82nd annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation, and their track “Stereotypes” was selected by the network to promote the 2017 US Open tennis tournament.