The University of South Carolina School of Music is hosting the Mahogany Musical Festival, Sept. 9-11, featuring the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra and Auntie Karen Foundation Legends of ... 2021 concert with Vanessa Williams. This festival presents performances and master classes across campus and features masterworks performances at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts and School of Music Recital Hall.

Since 2013, the Colour of Music Festival has flipped the script on traditional classical music and sought to enlighten the world by performing the music of significant black classical composers. These gifted classical principals, composers, and performers of African descent share their musical talents, knowledge and inspiration and showcase the impact of black classical musicians.

Presented by the UofSC School of Music in collaboration with the Auntie Karen Foundation whose mission is to empower, enlighten and educate through the arts, the Mahogany Music Festival will present three days of diverse classical performances.

“I am delighted the University of South Carolina is partnering with the Colour of Music Festival to recognize contributions of classical artists of African descent,” says Tayloe Harding, Dean, UofSC School of Music. “This event is in line with the School of Music ‘practicing what we preach’ regarding diversity at UofSC while allowing students and classical music fans to experience new voices and perspectives showcasing successful black artists in traditional classical settings, many of whom have walked the halls of UofSC’s School of Music.” 

“The Mahogany Music Festival supports the vision of UofSC University’s board in leveraging music and the arts to make higher education accessible and relevant to the widest possible cross-section of our diverse Columbia community with music and artists of the highest caliber in an event unlike any we have seen to date,” says Harris Pastides, UofSC interim president.

Colour of Music Festival | UofSC Residency Schedule: Mahogany Music Festival

“Columbia is anchored by its state university (UofSC) and two historically black colleges. This community bridge is the perfect way to showcase many black artists whose ancestors did not even have the opportunity to partake in higher education’s music offerings at UofSC for many decades, now accessible to a younger black generation.  We look forward to our return to Columbia with black talent from around the globe showcasing their contributions to the classical genre,” says Lee Pringle, COMF Founder and Artistic Director.