Blending Hip-Hop and Classical: The Illharmonic Orchestra’s Mission

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The Illharmonic Orchestra is redefining music by merging hip-hop and classical genres. At NPR’s Washington headquarters, Kaleb Cabell, Andrea Coln McNeill, and Jeffrey McNeill showcased this blend.

Jeffrey McNeill, a vocalist and composer, recalls discovering connections between these two genres in 1987. As a child, he took flute and piano lessons and was introduced to hip-hop through his father’s favorite song, ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by The Sugarhill Gang. His brother’s appreciation for ‘Paul Revere’ by the Beastie Boys further linked hip-hop with Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in his mind.

After nearly four decades, The Illharmonic Orchestra, founded by McNeill (known as ‘Thee Phantom’) and his wife Andrea Coln McNeill (‘The Phoenix’), performs nationwide. They fuse hip-hop and R&B vocals with orchestral sounds from all-Black ensembles, highlighting diversity in classical music.

Andrea Coln McNeill explains, ‘It’s crucial to show that these genres aren’t as distinct as believed.’ Many major orchestras lack diversity, yet talented Black musicians exist. The group aims to showcase these skills, providing audiences with a rich experience.

For audiences, the performances are engaging and meaningful. Jeffrey McNeill describes them as ‘a house party in a concert hall’ where viewers feel part of a community, connecting deeply with the music and performers.

Before playing at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C., The Illharmonic Orchestra gave a special show at NPR. To hear the full interview and performance, click on the provided link.

Audio was managed by engineers Andie Huether and Tiffany Vera Castro.

Performers at NPR included: