Chicago's D-Composed Celebrates Black Classical Composers

Classically trained musicians aim to redefine the classical music experience by centering Black voices.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A group of Black classically trained musicians called D-Composed have made it their mission to celebrate the work of Black composers from the past, present, and future. Formed in 2017 with a string quartet, the nonprofit group has now grown to eight members and has had about 200 performances, bringing their music directly to communities that have rarely experienced classical music programming.

Why it matters

D-Composed is working to challenge the perception that classical music is not accessible or welcoming to Black audiences and musicians. By centering Black composers and performers, the group aims to redefine the classical music experience and create a new image within the genre.

The details

D-Composed often showcases the works of renowned Black composers like William Grant Still, Florence Price, and Coleridge-Taylor Parkinson, as well as original compositions from the group's members. The group practices at the Rebuild Foundation's The Land School in Chicago's Great Grand Crossing neighborhood, which was founded by artist Theresa Gates, and is an inaugural creative partner in residence at the school. D-Composed has performed in a variety of community spaces, including community centers, gardens, and libraries, to bring classical music directly to the masses.

  • D-Composed was formed in 2017 with a string quartet.
  • The group has now grown to eight members.
  • D-Composed has had about 200 performances to date.
  • The group will be performing with the Civic Orchestra at the Chicago Symphony Center on March 30, 2026.

The players

Tahirah Washington

Cellist, composer, and founding member of D-Composed.

Kori Coleman

Founder and executive and artistic director of D-Composed.

Khelsey Zarraga

Violinist and member of D-Composed.

Wilfred Farquharson

Violist and member of D-Composed.

Theaster Gates

Artist who founded the Rebuild Foundation's The Land School, where D-Composed practices.

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What they’re saying

“The mission of D-composed is to enrich our community as classically trained musicians to embody our Black creativity and uplift Black composers and Black musicians.”

— Tahirah Washington, Cellist, composer, and founding member of D-Composed (cbsnews.com)

“I think when people first think of classical music the first image that often comes to mind is not Black people and Black audiences. So D-composed is really about creating a new image within that by centering Black voices in music, by featuring musicians, composers and really just redefining the way we experience classical music.”

— Kori Coleman, Founder and executive and artistic director of D-Composed (cbsnews.com)

“The fact that I am able to be in a space where I am accepted fully as I am, where the color of my skin does not affect the quality of the work that we do and it actually is an asset to further connect with our community and really create change and it's so special. I never thought I'd be able to have that kind of impact, with my violin.”

— Khelsey Zarraga, Violinist and member of D-Composed (cbsnews.com)

“It's just a very special moment for me and to do it with other Black musicians it's just so unique. I am so lucky that I get to do this. I'm excited I get to share this with an audience and they're gonna get excited.”

— Wilfred Farquharson, Violist and member of D-Composed (cbsnews.com)

“I hope we become a model and example for other people of what happens when you create your own Black space celebrating your stories and celebrating your music.”

— Kori Coleman, Founder and executive and artistic director of D-Composed (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

D-Composed will be performing with the Civic Orchestra at the Chicago Symphony Center on March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

D-Composed is challenging the perception that classical music is not accessible or welcoming to Black audiences and musicians. By centering Black composers and performers, the group is redefining the classical music experience and creating a new image within the genre.