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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

What are people saying about Black Pearl?  

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Black Pearl receives Presser Foundation Advancement of Music grant

February 26, 2024

The Presser Foundation awarded Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra an Advancement of Music grant, supporting our music performances and community engagement initiatives that cultivate diverse audiences.

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"No Time to be Timid" podcast features Maestro Johnson

July 17, 2023

Listen to Tricia Rose Burt's "No Time to be Timid" podcast episode #4 with Jeri Lynne Johnson: The Power of Grit

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The New York Times quotes Maestro Johnson in article on U.S. Orchestra Diversity

June 16, 2023

Jeri Lynne Johnson shares with the New York Times that rather than waiting for the system to change, underrepresented artists are creating opportunities and building paths for one another.

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Maestro Jeri Lynne Johnson featured on Good Morning America

March 23, 2023

Good Morning America featured founding and artistic director Jeri Lynne Johnson's trailblazing career leading orchestras around the world and starting her own ensemble, Black Pearl! Hear what inspired her to pick up the baton, how she overcame obstacles as an African American female conductor, and why she is dedicated to being a changemaker in classical music.

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Maestro Johnson conducts The Kennedy Center honoree Tania León's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Stride"

December 4, 2022

Jeri Lynne Johnson conducted Tania León's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Stride" as part of the Kennedy Center Honors 2022! Watch the CBS broadcast on Dec. 28.

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Cultural Attaché talks to Jeri Lynne Johnson about LA Phil's Rock My Soul Festival and her career goals

November 9, 2022

Cultural Attaché caught up with Jeri Lynne Johnson about her two performances leading the LA Philharmonic for the Rock My Soul Festival and the "war of attrition" in attaining her career goals as a Black female conductor.

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Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra receives $300K Mellon Foundation grant

July 25, 2022

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra has received a transformative $300,00 grant from the Mellon Foundation to support its community-centered programming.

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ARP Grant Spotlight: Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra

July 13, 2022

The pandemic strained the arts sector, but National Endowment for the Arts' support enabled Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra to continue performing and ensure that diversity becomes a key part of the arts ecosystem.

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Founder Jeri Lynne Johnson featured in MSNBC

June 11, 2022

Founder and Artistic Director Jeri Lynne Johnson channeled her rage from an audition rejection by creating the diverse, critically acclaimed Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra in Philadelphia.

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The University of Chicago Magazine features Maestro Johnson

April 13, 2022

Jeri Lynne Johnson discusses joining art and activism in her Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra.

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Orchestrating Change: An Interview with Maestro Jeri Lynne Johnson

January 28, 2022

Canton Symphony Orchestra's Orchestrating Change podcast sits down with Jeri Lynne Johnson to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in classical music

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The New York Times highlights Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra as a leader in racial equity

January 27, 2021

The New York Times features Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, led by Jeri Lynne Johnson, as a small but mighty organization leading the way in creating new models for classical music.

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