The Philadelphia Orchestra has announced a partnership with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra (BPCO), a Philadelphia-based orchestra formed in 2008, on several new programs. The aim of the partnership is to produce creative programming that will attract and serve diverse audiences in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Orchestra will also act as mentor to the BPCO, providing guidance with the administrative and technical aspects of concert presentation. During the 2009-10 season, the BPCO will present three free community concerts and participate in a seven-week residency with the Philadelphia Orchestra; the first community concert is scheduled for September 19 at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center, with details of concerts in February and May, 2010, still to be announced. The BPCO residency, “Orchestrating Leadership,” will include music education and leadership training for students aged 14 to 21 in the northwest section of Philadelphia. The 30-member BPCO was founded by Jeri Lynn Johnson, who serves as music director; the group describes itself as Philadelphia’s first multi-ethnic professional orchestra. Members of the ensemble come from conservatories including the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music.
Posted September 15, 2009
