Saturday, January 23, 2010

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra Thrives, Presents 'America's Classical Masters' Feb. 6, 2010

[Jeri Lynne Johnson, Founder and Conductor, The Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra]

AfriClassical has received a press release from Julia Rubio, Executive Director, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra:

The All-New Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra Receives Strong Support As It Readies To Present The Second Concert Of Its Inaugural Season
Philadelphia, PA - January 18, 2010. Defying the odds in this current economic environment, the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia's first multi-ethnic professional orchestra, has experienced an outpouring of support in its first season, including a $10,000 grant from PECO, $10,000 from the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Community Reinvestment Ministry for its educational outreach programming, and a National Endowment for the Arts grant in partnership with Foundation's, Inc. BPCO Founder and Music Director, Jeri Lynne Johnson, recently received a highly competitive 2009 Leeway Foundation Transformation Award, which honors women and trans-gendered artists for their ability to create social change through their artistic and cultural work. To help lead the growth of this important organization, the BPCO recently named James Undercofler, Professor of Arts Administration at Drexel University and former President & CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as Chair of the Board of Directors.

"'It isn't often that an organization comes along with the right ingredients at the right time; visionary leadership, managerial best practices and a knockout roster of diverse musicians all working to achieve a profoundly important mission to reshape how we understand and experience inclusion in classical music. I am honored to be part of this dynamic new organization as it helps to shepherd the city into a new era of participation in the performing arts.'” -James Undercofler, Chair, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra

Led by Founder and Music Director Jeri Lynne Johnson, the BPCO is delighted to present its sold-out America's Classical Masters concert commemorating Black History Month at the historic Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia on February 6th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. This world-class ensemble will perform works that showcase the variety and brilliance of American composers from throughout the nation's history. Music of Dr. George Walker, the first African-American composer to win a Pulitzer Prize and a stunning new work by master jazz teacher Ellis Marsalis will be performed alongside Aaron Copland's elegiac and powerful Quiet City and Ernst Bloch's exuberant Concerto Grosso #1. After intermission, The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass will take the stage with works by celebrated African-American composer Francis Johnson and other fantastic big brass music for a rousing close to the second concert of the orchestra's inaugural season.

"'The BPCO continues to grow and provide innovative concerts and arts education workshops because of the generosity and vision of our growing list of corporate and foundation contributors, the vision of the Founder's Society, the enthusiasm of our musicians and Board, and the overwhelming support from our audiences. The BPCO has found a real home in Philadelphia and we will continue to partner with the entire community to bring the exciting, culturally-inclusive and high-quality classical music it demands and deserves.'” -Jeri Lynne Johnson, Founder and Music Director, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra

The evening's program includes:

-Aaron Copland - Quiet City
Featuring Geoffrey Deemer, english horn and Rodney Mack, trumpet

-Ernst Bloch - Concerto Grosso #1
Featuring Jamaican-born pianist Maria Corley

-Ellis Marsalis - Fourth Autumn
Featuring Rodney Mack, trumpet

-George Walker - Lyric for Strings

-Selections by Francis Johnson and other music performed by The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass


PROGRAM INFORMATION
Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra
2009-2010 Inaugural Season - Winter Concert: America's Classical Masters
When: Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 8:00PM
Where: Independence Seaport Museum
Tickets: Free and open to the public (sold out)
More Info: http://www.blackpearlco.org/

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