Event: Black Women Composers Initiative: Part One (February First Friday)

Date: February 5, 2027

Time: 6:30 PM

Venue:  Barnes Foundation: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Tickets: Stay tuned for ticket info via barnesfoundation.org

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Join Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and Artistic Director Jeri Lynne Johnson for an evening connecting music, history, and the voices of living composers.

Part of Black Pearl's Black Women Composers Initiative, the program features a world premiere by Courtney Bryan inspired by Rebecca Cox Jackson, a 19th-century Black spiritual leader with deep ties to Philadelphia. Born in 1795, Jackson shares a fascinating historical connection with Haydn's Symphony No. 102, which premiered that same year.

The evening also features a new arrangement of the Overture from Scott Joplin's Treemonisha and a newly commissioned solo violin work by Jasmine Barnes, performed by Jannina Norpoth.

On the Program

Scott Joplin – Overture from Treemonisha (new arrangement)
Jasmine Barnes – New work for solo violin, featuring Jannina Norpoth
Courtney Bryan – World premiere inspired by Rebecca Cox Jackson
Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 102

Be Part of the Conversation

Join us for a moderated conversation with the artists and an audience Q&A. Hear the stories behind the music, ask questions, and share your own reflections. The discussion will also be featured in Black Pearl's upcoming podcast.

Recording Notice

This event will be photographed and recorded. Portions of the performance, panel discussion, and audience Q&A may be used in Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra’s podcast, social media, website, and communications.

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