Since 2013, the Colour of Music Festival has brought classically trained black musicians together to offer the public an opportunity to experience the talent of prodigiously gifted classical principals, composers, and performers of African descent share their musical talents, knowledge, and inspiration and showcase the impact and significance of black classical composers and performers on American and world culture. The Festival's Masterworks program concludes the series with the Colour of Music Orchestra honoring the legacy of Shirley Verrett.