Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts, is an original production brought to you by pianist, music sociologist, and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s (ICO) creative partner-in-residence, Joshua Thompson. Thompson guides audiences through this captivating origin story using brilliant and vibrant masterworks from composers of African descent as a musical backdrop, tracing this aesthetic from the dawn of time through present day. Black Keys weaves together contextual exposition with contemporary African dance, powerhouse vocals, and world-class artistry with the aid of fellow artists Ashlee Baskin and Kenyetta Dance Company with the ICO.

Together they bring personality and passion to the ever-evolving Black cultural aesthetic, rooted in an often overlooked and underperformed catalogue of masterpieces composed by Black contributors in classical music that spans over three centuries: William Grant Still, Joseph Bologne, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Harry Burleigh and Margaret Bonds. Key pieces include Three Black Kings, The River, Africa Suite, From the Southland, Four Women, and many others. Further illuminating the vast contributions in Black arts movements, audiences will be enveloped in this multidisciplinary experience upon entry with Black artists sharing perspectives and motivations and pieces of their curated works in the lobby. The concert was filmed at the Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler University.