Illharmonic Leaders Discuss 2-Genre Community-Building Through All-Black Orchestra
Updated
Updated · NPR · Jul 24
Illharmonic Leaders Discuss 2-Genre Community-Building Through All-Black Orchestra
3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jul 24
Summary
The Illharmonic’s leaders told NPR their performances use hip-hop lyricism and classical instrumentation to build community around high-energy live shows.
The 2-genre format is paired with all-Black musical ensembles, a choice the group says helps represent musicians and audiences often excluded from traditional classical spaces.
Their approach centers on making concert settings feel welcoming to people who may not have previously seen themselves reflected onstage or in the crowd.