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!

Join the Endowment Campaign

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. 

Videmus and CCC celebrating the 90th birthday of composer T.J. Anderson in Atlanta, GA. (2018)

In the News

  • News • July 2026

    Newest Releases:
    Black Composers in Art Song
    Low Voice and Piano
    Compiled and edited by Louise Toppin

  • News • December 2024

    Videmus Inc. Publishes Julia Perry’s Previously Unavailable Catalog of Music Through New Relationship with Boosey & Hawkes

    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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    Read: Full press release

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