PHOTOS: Charles Burrell, who broke color barrier as a classical musician, celebrates 103rd birthday at Aurora school named after him

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Charles Burrell celebrates his 103rd birthday with students at the Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus, the school named after him, in Aurora on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Burrell is a bass player who broke the color barrier as a classical musician. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

Students at the Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus held a birthday celebration for Charles Burrell, the school’s namesake, in Aurora on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Burrell, who turned 103 years old on Wednesday, is a bass player who broke the color barrier as a classical musician. According to the school’s website, Burrell was the first person of color to sign a contract with a symphony orchestra.

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