Our Story
Videmus is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the promotion of concert works by African American, women and under-presented composers. Our vision is to provide access to marginalized composers through educational programming, performance opportunities, and scholarly research. We provide a vital service to our field by collaborating with other organizations to strengthen the diverse perspectives within our industry.
Celebrating 17 Years and Investing in the Future
Sixteen years ago, Mr. George Shirley and his former student and mentee, Dr. Louise Toppin, founded the George Shirley Competition dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of the African American song. The competition first began with high school students and a $1,000 top prize—it has since grown to include five divisions and more than $48,000 in awards. The competition is open to students and performers of all backgrounds.
We are deeply grateful to all who have supported these talented young artists over the years, thank you for being part of this journey.
As we look ahead, we’ve launched an endowment to ensure the competition continues to inspire future generations. Our goal is to raise $2 million, and we invite you to help during our birthday season (March- Louise Toppin; April - Mr. Shirley and May - GSVC).
Through June 30, the University of Michigan will match all new monthly gifts dollar-for-dollar (up to $100/month for 12 months). Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated.
If you’re ever in Ann Arbor during the competition, we hope you’ll join us.
Thank you for your support!
Our work is multifaceted and includes:
Producing recordings, concerts, and conferences
Creating and hosting an annual competition
Founding and maintaining a research database.
Encouraging research and publication in scholarly books and journals
Creating musical editions for publication.
(left to right) Christopher Wilkins, Louise Toppin, and James Blachly when we went to the Center for Black Music Research to conduct research on Julia Perry this March 2, 2026
Videmus Inc. Publishes
Julia Perry’s Previously Unavailable Catalog of Music
Through New Relationship with Boosey & Hawkes
News • December 2024
NEW YORK, NY (December 5, 2024) – Videmus Inc. announced today that through a new relationship with Boosey & Hawkes, one of the world’s leading classical music publishers, it will make available the previously unpublished music of composer Julia Perry, whose work fell into obscurity after her death in 1979 and is only now beginning to receive the attention it has so richly deserved. Directed by Dr. Louise Toppin, Videmus is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the promotion of concert works by African American, women, and under-presented composers, providing access to the work of marginalized composers through educational programming, performance opportunities, and scholarly research. In 2024, Julia Perry’s centennial year, the Estate of Julia A. Perry assigned all copyrights for Herb and sq as go to pool pool unpublished work to Videmus Inc. Perry’s music is also currently GRAMMY-nominated for the first time, as part of the American Counterpoints album from Experiential Orchestra, music director James Blachly, and violinist Curtis Stewart.
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Julia Perry (Photo: Rider University Libraries’ Julia A. Perry Collection)
Upcoming Releases
The Undine Smith More Collection: Art Songs, Spirituals, and Aria for Solo Voice
Edited by Louise Toppin
Carl Fisher Publishing
Due for release: Fall 2026
Anthology of Julia Perry’s Songs
Edited by Louise Toppin and Christopher Wilkins
Boosey & Hawkes Publishing
Photo credit: Center For Black Music Research, Chicago, IL
Due for release: Fall 2026
Anthology of Mark Fax Songs
Edited by Louise Toppin
Classical Vocal Reprints
Due for release: Spring 2027