Who We Are with DBR: Black Violin

Hosted by violinist, composer and Roth Distinguished Visiting Scholar Daniel Bernard Roumain, this compelling series features multidisciplinary Black artist-activists who have broken stereotypes and made history. Guest artists will discuss their experiences and the evolution of their work during this convergence of global health and social crises. Inspired by their conversation, Daniel and guests will create and share short performances together. Audience members are encouraged to submit their questions in the live chat. Kevin Sylvester (violin) and Wilner Baptiste (viola) — known as Kev Marcus and Wil B — joined forces to create the American hip-hop duo Black Violin. After meeting on their first day of high school orchestra class, they decided to break the classical music mold, blending their classical training with hip-hop as well as pop and rock genres. Black Violin defies stereotypes about classical music and, like its music's hybrid nature, brings people together. Kev Marcus and Wil B also started The Black Violin Foundation, a nonprofit that helps teen musicians shatter their own stereotypes and inspires them to pursue careers in the arts.