The contributions of Black men and women to classical music have been largely ignored by experts and popular culture alike. That lack of recognition and interest in these pioneers speaks to the ages-old racism that persists in the style and is often reflected across other art forms like ballet and opera, spaces that continue to prioritize whiteness . It has a discouraging trickle-down effect on the stage, where Black and brown conductors, and even orchestra members, run far and few between.