The Illharmonic Orchestra: Building Community through Hip-Hop and Classical Music

The Illharmonic Orchestra is gaining attention for its unique blend of hip-hop and classical music, captivating audiences across the United States.

“It’s a house party in a concert hall,” says Jeffrey McNeill, one of the orchestra’s founders. “It’s a community experience.”

The idea began in 1987 when McNeill, also known as “Thee Phantom,” noticed the connection between hip-hop and classical music. As a child, he learned flute and piano, and discovered hip-hop through The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight”. He describes how his brother brought home the Beastie Boys’ album “Paul Revere,” which seemed to align perfectly with Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

McNeill, alongside Andrea Coln McNeill, known as “The Phoenix,” leads The Illharmonic Orchestra. This ensemble is distinguished by its all-Black orchestral musicians. They aim to demonstrate that hip-hop and classical music aren’t as disparate as many assume.

Coln McNeill highlights the importance of representation in classical music: “We want to show that individuals who look like us play these instruments and have the talent.” Despite diversity challenges in major symphonies, The Illharmonic demonstrates the presence of skilled Black musicians.

The Illharmonic’s shows are more than concerts. They transform into communal experiences where audiences see themselves on stage. Performances occur in venues nationwide, including a recent special performance at NPR headquarters ahead of a show at Washington D.C.’s Lincoln Theater.

The ensemble includes members like Tauhida Smith, Leanne Holmes, Jillian Uzuegbu, Tara Cuffee, Kaleb Cabell, Robert Chittams, Alissa Gittens, Ronnal Ford, Xavier Hendon, Robert McIver, Tim Johnson, and Ashlei Peoples. Each contributes to the orchestra’s distinctive sound.

For those interested in experiencing this innovative integration of genres, The Illharmonic has been performing for over two decades, continuing to inspire and connect communities through music.