Karen Slack and Michelle Cann Featured on CBS News Philadelphia About Grammy-Nominated Album
“At the time, Black women and composers were not being spotlighted or published. These are tried and true art songs that can hold up against Schubert and Brahms.” —Karen Slack, soprano
Earlier this year, internationally acclaimed soprano Karen Slack (Opera ’02) and Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies Michelle Cann (Piano ’13, ArtistYear ’15), “one of the most visible components of the music of Florence Price” (Chicago Tribune), released their groundbreaking new album, Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price. Now, they share a nomination for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. As the two prize-winning Philadelphia-based musicians gear up for Sunday’s awards ceremony, they spoke with CBS News’ Eva Andersen about their remarkable collaboration—one that honors and elevates the voice of a trailblazing 20th-century composer whose legacy was unjustly overlooked throughout her lifetime.
Produced by Azica Records‘ Alan Bise and ONEcomposer, the album features 19 unpublished songs by Price, including 16 world premiere recordings. In response to the overwhelming praise for the recording, Ms. Cann said, “I was just so overjoyed. It is yet another validation for the genius of Florence Price.”
Watch the CBS New Philadelphia interview HERE, and learn more about the album in our alumni interview with Karen Slack and Michelle Cann.
The 2025 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, streaming live at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT.
Read about the many Curtis alumni and faculty who are nominated for 2025 Grammy Awards.
Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price and single “Desire,” are available on all streaming platforms. Listen HERE.
Visit Karen Slack’s official website and Michelle Cann’s official website.
Photo credits: Karen Slack (Kia Caldwell) and Michelle Cann (Titilayo Ayangade).
