Born of a desire to foster cultural curiosity, Castle of our Skins is a concert and educational series dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. The Boston Musical Intelligencer praises the ensemble’s programmatic choices for complementing and reinforcing each other, and the “impressive performers” for communicating “directly and movingly with their audience.” Highlighting the ensemble’s PCMS debut program is the Philadelphia premiere of a new work (co-commissioned by PCMS) by flutist/ composer Allison Loggins-Hull.

Louise Toppin, coloratura soprano; Brian Dunbar, flute; Ashleigh Gordon, viola; Kyle P. Walker, piano

Time is an Impatient Thing Coleman: Fanmi Imen Perry: The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah Green: …all that is good… Hailstork: Sanctum Rhapsody Loggins-Hull: Shine World Premiere/PCMS Co-Commission

Join us for a 'speakeasy style' salon at the studio of artist Casey Baugh as soprano Rebecca L. Hargrove and pianist Kyle P. Walker perform music of the Harlem Renaissance, featuring works by notable black composers of the era including Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, William Grant Still and more.

Gavotte et Six Doubles
Jean-Philippe Rameau 1683-1764

Passacaglia in C-sharp minor
Irene Britton Smith 1907-1999

7 Variations on God Save The King Wo0. 49
Ludwig Van Beethoven 1770-1827

Short Break

Three-Fours Op. 71
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 1875-1912 I. Allegro molto II. Andante III. Allegro moderato IV. Vivace V. Andante molto VI. Allegro assai

Troubled Water
Margaret Bonds 1913-1972

Fantasie Negre No. 1
Florence B. Price 1887-1953

We're in for a huge experience ranging from the lush chamber music sounds of a sonata, piano trio, and string quartet all the way to the unique expression of modern Carnatic music, with more surprises along the way: We’ll have meditative deep listening, circle singing for those who feel called to join, and we’ll end with an absolutely ecstatic dance party, courtesy of Māh Ze Tār, who fuses traditional Eastern music with modern electronic as a form of cultural preservation and celebration.

A truly cross-coastal celebration, this Massivemuse features cellist Dara Hankins and pianist Kyle Walker from NYC in collaboration with Bay Area musicians Mélanie Clapiès, Alexandra Simpson, and James Jaffe.

This eclectic program will be featuring the musical worlds of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, George Walker, Pauline Oliveros, and Anjna Swaminathan.

Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata No. 5 for Cello and Piano

George Walker Sonata for Cello and Piano

Kyle P. Walker, a critically-acclaimed pianist with a passion for using music to address social issues, is on a mission to bridge traditional Western repertoire with the work of neglected composers from around the world. From his performances on The Green Space at WNYC and NPR's 1A to recitals at Carnegie Hall and The Apollo Theater, Walker's heartfelt tone and dedication to activism have made him a standout in the classical music world. As a member of the award-winning DARA + KYLE duo and The Harlem Chamber Players, as well as a founding member of The Dream Unfinished, Kyle uses his platform to bring attention to underrepresented composers and advocate for social justice. In addition to his touring and performing, Kyle is also a professor at NYU Steinhardt, where he shares his passion for music, activism, diversity, and inclusivity with the next generation of musicians. With over a decade of experience as a performer and educator, Kyle is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive classical music community.

Kyle P. Walker is joined by Lucia Bradford and Gary Mitchell in Songs of Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Together, they will present a program comprised of songs by Brahms, Chausson, Bizet, Errollyn Wallen, Roy Jennings, Steve Wallace, and more.

“Every Voice with Terrance McKnight”

a podcast spotlighting the vibrant stories and perspectives that reflect the whole of the American musical experience

Ach ich fühl es ist verschwunden from Die Zauberflöte Alles fühlt der Liebe Freuden from Die Zauberflöte Heavenly Father from 3kings and a PRINCE (Sharon J. Willis) On the Wings of a Dove from The Herndon Opera (Sharon J. Willis)

“Every Voice with Terrance McKnight”

a podcast spotlighting the vibrant stories and perspectives that reflect the whole of the American musical experience

Ach ich fühl es ist verschwunden from Die Zauberflöte Alles fühlt der Liebe Freuden from Die Zauberflöte Heavenly Father from 3kings and a PRINCE (Sharon J. Willis) On the Wings of a Dove from The Herndon Opera (Sharon J. Willis)

Though separated by 130 years and an impossible gulf of personal experience, the composer Ludwig van Beethoven and the writer Langston Hughes share an unlikely bond of artistic sensibilities. Inspiration across mediums creatively energized both: Hughes was a musical historian and produced rhythmically inspired verse, while Beethoven's love of poetry gave rise to numerous immortal compositions, not least “Ode to Joy”. On the date of Hughes's birthday, Terrance McKnight, the project creator and WQXR host, further illuminates these geniuses' synergy with a selection of Beethoven's piano works, and other composers such as David Baker and George Gershwin, that he's set to poems by Hughes. This co-presentation with the New York Philharmonic will feature select members of the Phil and guest artists, piano soloist Kyle P. Walker and the rich operatic tenor voice of Chauncey Packer.

Fantasie Negre No. 1 Florence Price, composer Kyle Walker, piano

Beethoven’s Blues Langston Hughes “Weary Blues” Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 30 Terrance McKnight, Kyle P. Walker

Langston Hughes “Life is Fine” Beethoven Bagatelle Op. 126, No. 1 McKnight, Walker

Principal Brothers No. 3 James Lee III, composer David Norville stage need: music stand

Big Timer’s Blues Hughes “The Weary Blues” Lord How Come Me Here (traditional spiritual, arr. Evelyn Curenton-Simpson; adapt. Ashley Jackson & Terrance McKnight) Terrance McKnight, Chauncey Packer, David Norville, Kyle P. Walker

Medley George Gershwin, composer Packer, Walker

You’ve taken my blues Hughes “Notes on Commercial Theater” Gershwin Prelude Melody No. 17 (arr. T. McKnight) McKnight, Walker

The Magic Flute Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer Packer, Walker

Three-Fours, Op. 71 No. 2 Samuel Coleridge Taylor, composer Walker

Hughes “Me and My Song” Beethoven God Save the King Variations (arr. T. McKnight) McKnight, Walker

Rameau: Gavotte et six Doubles Irene Britton Smith: Passacaglia in C# minor Beethoven: God Save the King Variations Price: Fantasie Negre No. 1 Coleridge Taylor: Three-Fours Op 73 (6 mvmts)

Works by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Irene Britten Smith, Roger Quilter, J. Ireland, C. Loewe

Nadia Boulanger: Three Pieces for Cello and Piano George Walker: Sonata for Cell and Piano Astor Piazzolla: Le Grand Tango for Cello and Piano

Jean Philippe Rameau: Gavotte and Six Variations Irene Britton Smith: Passacaglia in C# Minor Beethoven: God Save The King Variations Florence Price: Fantasie Negre No. 1 Samuel Coleridge Taylor: Piano Suite “Three-Fours”, Op. 71

Haydn Trio “Jacobs Dream” No. 41 in E flat minor Hob XV/31 Nadia Boulanger 3 Pieces for cello and piano George Walker Piano and Cello sonata Piazzolla Le Grand Tango

Rameau: Gavotte et six Doubles Irene Britton Smith: Passacaglia in C# minor Beethoven: God Save the King Variations Price: Fantasie Negre No. 1 Coleridge Taylor: Three-Fours Op 73 (6 mvmts)

Pianist Kyle Walker and soprano Cassandra Douglas from The Dream Unfinished will perform:

Florence Price: Monologue for the Working Class Undine Smith Moore: Love Let The Wind Cry Rosephane Powell: Songs for the People William Grant Still: Give Me Nobody But Your Soul Margaret Bonds: Trouble Water Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Three Fours (Op. 73)

Emily Kalish, violin; Kyle Walker, piano; music of Dvorak, Ravel, Coleridge-Taylor