BLACK WOMEN COMPOSERS INITIATIVE

Black Women
Composer Initiative

History doesn't disappear on its own. It disappears when we stop telling the story.

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra is preserving and amplifying the contributions of Black women composers whose voices have too often been overlooked in American orchestral music. Inspired by Black Composers Series: 1974–1978—a landmark recording project that introduced audiences to Black composers while largely omitting women—this initiative offers a more complete picture of America's musical legacy.

In February and March 2027, founder and Artistic Director Jeri Lynne Johnson leads Black Pearl in four concerts featuring music by Courtney Bryan, Jannina Norpoth, Jasmine Barnes, Valerie Coleman, and Kendrah Butler-Waters. Audiences will hear world premieres, new arrangements, and works inspired by fascinating stories from American history. From a fresh take on Scott Joplin's Treemonisha to music inspired by Rebecca Cox Jackson, a 19th-century Black Philadelphia spiritual leader, and Dinah of Germantown's historic Stenton Mansion in the 18th century, these concerts offer plenty to discover.

But the concert is only the beginning.

During each event, composers, musicians, and audience members will come together for conversations inspired by the performances. Hear directly from the artists, ask questions, and share your own reflections. These discussions will be a part of our new podcast, bringing the music and the stories behind it to listeners beyond the concert hall.

Whether you're familiar with these composers or hearing their music for the first time, we invite you to be part of the conversation!

Upcoming Events:

February 5, 2027
Black Pearl at the Barnes: February First Friday
Black Women Composers Initiative: Part One
→ Learn More
‍
February 6, 2027
Black Pearl at Salem Baptist Church of Abington
Black Women Composers Initiative: Part One
→ Get Tickets

March 5, 2027
Black Pearl at the Barnes: March First Friday
Black Women Composers Initiative: Part Two
→ Learn More

March 6, 2027
Black Pearl at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
Black Women Composers Initiative: Part Two
→ Get Tickets

Kevin Arthur jr.

As they dance in the wind

Kevin Arthur Jr. (b. 2004) is an emerging composer and instrumentalist from Philadelphia. Influenced profoundly by his father, a versatile touring bassist, and his mother, a dedicated worship leader and choir director, Kevin grew up immersed in a diverse musical environment that deeply shaped his artistic sensibilities and commitment to music.

Courtney evans

Cloud Sprawl

Born in Los Angeles, California, Courtney Evans began studying both music and computer graphics at an early age. In high school and at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, he composed concert works, incidental music for plays, and a ballet in collaboration with Donald Byrd. His recent orchestral and chamber works reflect a wide variety of influences, including minimalism, medieval music, film soundtracks, Sondheim, and sludge metal.

joshua foyERS 

couplet for String orchestra

Joshua is a Los Angeles based composer and pianist. As a pianist he has worked with composers such as Derek Bermel and Mark Trayle and performed at various venues such as REDCAT located at Walt Disney Concert Hall. He has written music in a variety of genres including film scores to films like Mamitas, Jewsus, The Newest Pledge, and (Romance) in the Digital Age.

Kevin Arthur jr.

Courtney evans

joshua foyERS

BLACK WOMEN
COMPOSERS
INITIATIVE

SUBMIT YOUR SCORE

turn up the support