While we all get accustomed to Classical Music in ColorS, let’s move on to Segment 2 of 2 of the October 2025 edition.
This time we’re talking about a woman who was most likely the first African American hired by a mainstream orchestra, the 93-year-old South Bend, Indiana Symphony Orchestra.
Her name is Rosemary Sanders, whose name and history was found as many items are, in the archives.
This discovery shocked Dr. Marvin Curtis, the head of Arts Equity and Public Art in South Bend and Justus Zimmerman, formerly of the South Bend Symphony orchestra, who is now leading the Austin, Texas Symphony. Both men decided to produce a documentary about Sanders called Invisible Player. It focuses on Sanders and other Black classical musicians who are still facing difficulties.
