The Origins of a Unique Sound
Jeffrey McNeill, a vocalist and composer, discovered connections between hip-hop and classical music in 1987 during his childhood. Introduced to classical instruments like the flute and piano, he listened to The Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ and later heard his brother’s Beastie Boys track ‘Paul Revere.’ He found the fusion between these genres surprisingly harmonious, imagining its blend with Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.
Formation of The Illharmonic Orchestra
Over the decades, McNeill and his wife, Andrea Coln McNeill, established The Illharmonic Orchestra to showcase the blend of hip-hop and classical music. Performing in major venues across the U.S., McNeill and Coln McNeill mix R&B and hip-hop vocals with orchestral elements, employing all-Black ensembles. Their stage names are “Thee Phantom” and “The Phoenix,” respectively.
Representation in Classical Music
Coln McNeill emphasizes the importance of diversity in classical music. Despite progress, many symphony orchestras still lack diversity. The Illharmonic aims to change perceptions by proving that individuals with varied backgrounds, including those who have attended conservatories or are self-taught, possess high talent levels. This approach fosters identity and representation in music.
The Community Experience
McNeill describes their performances as a “house party in a concert hall,” offering a communal experience where audiences connect with both the music and performers. This connection is crucial for sustaining their success, as attendees see themselves reflected on stage.
The Illharmonic’s NPR Performance
Ahead of a Washington, D.C. performance at the Lincoln Theater, The Illharmonic Orchestra presented a special performance at NPR’s headquarters. You can listen to their interview and performance through the provided audio link.
Performers at NPR
The Illharmonic Orchestra showcased talent including:
- Andrea Coln McNeill – Vocalist
- Jeffrey McNeill – Vocalist
- Tauhida Smith – Violin
- Leanne Holmes – Violin
- Jillian Uzuegbu – Violin
- Tara Cuffee – Viola
- Kaleb Cabell – Cello
- Robert Chittams – Bass
- Alissa Gittens – Flute/Piccolo
- Ronnal Ford – Saxophone/Flute
- Xavier Hendon – Trumpet
- Robert McIver – Trumpet
- Tim Johnson – Trombone
- Ashlei Peoples – Keyboards
The audio performance was engineered by Andie Huether and Tiffany Vera Castro.