Our Story
The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) was founded in 2003 by classical musicians Victor and Pamela Simonson, along with a dedicated group of artists and arts enthusiasts. Based in the Washington, DC area, CAAPA aims to create performance opportunities for African American classical musicians and performing artists while introducing the beauty of classical music to diverse audiences. This initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the support they received as young artists, embodying their commitment to give back to the community that nurtured their talents. With the motto, "Bring color to the classics!", CAAPA strives to enrich the cultural landscape by promoting inclusivity in the arts.