Orchestra Noir is Atlanta’s premiere all African-American Orchestra, founded in 2016 by Music Director, Jason Ikeem Rodgers. Coined the Rosetta Stone of the orchestral world, Orchestra Noir strives to unite the musical legacies of the African diaspora with that of Western Europe in order to yield a deeper, more enriched understanding of artistic universality. Along with providing the highest quality orchestral music, Orchestra Noir also acts as a demonstrative philanthropic vessel using partial proceeds from all concert revenue to help eradicate homelessness in the city of Atlanta. ( Orchestra Noir Website )
I was able to reach the phenomenal conductor, founder and music director Jason I. Rodgers to ask him a few questions about Orchestra Noir and his empowering plans:
Why an “all black”: orchestra?
I was inspired to create an all black orchestra when I saw Atlanta’s booming black middle class. As a native of Philadelphia, I had never witnessed such a high concentration of professional, middle class African-Americans as I did when I relocated to Atlanta 4 years ago. Also, although I am a long time lover of classical music, I enjoy the music that I grew up with – the music that derives from the African diaspora. It has been my dream to bridge the gap between these two styles of music, and Orchestra Noir will achieve that.
How did you choose your orchestra members?
Orchestra members are invited to audition by video recording or live based on their level of expertise or experience. After a demonstration of their talent, I give the final word.
Do you orchestra collectively do any besides the music performances (community service, work with children, etc)?
A portion of our ticket sales from every concert goes toward helping eradicate homelessness in Atlanta. And we definitely have a lot of plans in the future for community service, especially working with children.
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What is your opinion on the state of music today (classical and modern)?
It’s weird because, apparently classical music has been dying for over 100 years. And what does that mean? That means that classical music listeners and concert goers are mostly white, silver haired folks. Classical music is still trying desperately to change that demographic to gain the favor of youthful minorities. Orchestra Noir actually was conceived out of that very struggle. I think the key, which Orchestra noir will utilize, is blending the old with the new. Kanye vs. Beethoven. The concert hall vs. the club. Young minorities need to see more of themselves reflected in classical music. However, classical music too often remains stubborn and stuck in its old ways.
What is your opinion on the state of music today (classical and modern)?
As far as modern music is concerned, I miss real R&B and Soul. Rap has permeated R&B so deeply that there is no longer room for the Musiq Soulchilds, the Boyz II Mens, or the Jazmine Sullivans. Don’t get me wrong – I love rap very much, I just wish that we had preserved that sweet, sweet space that R&B once occupied.
How do you plan to take your craft and empower others?
Far too often, the black output is looked at as subpar or flawed. If something is the product of the black community it must be somehow less sophisticated or slightly off in some way. I hope to use Orchestra Noir to combat that stigmatization. I think that seeing an entire orchestra comprised of highly skilled professional musicians playing at the highest level will raise up the community and help change negative perception of black productivity.
Saturday 14 May 2016, Jason will be presenting the Orchestra Noir in a Red Carpet Launch at Studio No. 7 – 393 Marietta Street in Atlanta, GA. Conceived to cater to Atlanta’s rising socially conscious, progressive, upscale professionals, Orchestra Noir provides a unique and cultured addition to Atlanta entertainment. Guests will walk the red carpet, mingle with Atlanta’s elite, and enjoy hor d’oeuvres and cocktails while listening to solo performances by Orchestra Noir musicians. After the show, we will have a DJ’ed After-Party with music from today’s hottest artists. A portion of ticket sales will go to Atlanta Mission Homeless Shelters.
For more information email info@orchestranoir.com, visit the Orchestra Noir site, Jason’s Website and follow the hastags #orchestranoir and #musicwithacause
