In this episode of One Symphony with conductor Devin Partick Hughes, Devin has an inspiring conversation with bass virtuoso and composer Kebra Seyoun Charles. From their early exposure to African drumming and gospel music to becoming a celebrated classical musician, Charles shares their unique journey and vision for the future of classical music through their ”Counter Classical” style. Charles’s work embodies a fresh perspective on classical music’s future, one that honors tradition while embracing innovation and inclusivity. Their approach shows that classical music’s evolution doesn’t require abandoning its foundations, but rather expanding its boundaries to embrace diverse influences and experiences. As they put it, ”Classical music is so beautiful and so ephemeral and it can’t be contained.”