The Illharmonic Orchestra is making waves by blending hip-hop with classical music, and building community through their performances. The group, formed by Jeffrey McNeill, also known as ‘Thee Phantom,’ and Andrea Coln McNeill, ‘The Phoenix,’ creates a unique musical experience by merging R&B vocals with live orchestration.
Jeffrey McNeill recollects his journey that started in 1987 when he began noticing the links between hip-hop and classical music. “I was enrolled in flute and piano lessons and was introduced to ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by The Sugarhill Gang,” McNeill explains. “When my brother brought home the Beastie Boys’ ‘Paul Revere,’ it clicked with Beethoven’s 5th Symphony for me.”
This mix of genres now thrives within the Illharmonic Orchestra, their collaboration extending over twenty years and reaching major concert venues across the United States. Their performances feature all-Black orchestral ensembles, showcasing underrepresented talent in the classical world.
Andrea Coln McNeill emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in classical music. She shares, “It’s crucial to demonstrate that these music forms aren’t as different as many believe. Despite the lack of diversity in some major orchestras, we collaborate regularly with talented musicians who share our heritage, whether formally trained or self-taught.”
Their concerts are as much a community gathering as they are musical events. “It feels like a house party within a concert hall,” says McNeill. “This experience fosters connection. Audience members often see themselves reflected in us, which fuels our passion.”
Before performing at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C., The Illharmonic Orchestra performed at NPR headquarters. The performance, engineered by Andie Huether and Tiffany Vera Castro, included:
- Andrea Coln McNeill – Vocalist
- Jeffrey McNeill – Vocalist
- Tauhida Smith – Violin
- Leanne Holmes – Violin
- Jillian Uzuegbu – Violin
- Tara Cuffee – Viola
- Kaleb Cabell – Cello
- Robert Chittams – Bass
- Alissa Gittens – Flute/Piccolo
- Ronnal Ford – Saxophone/Flute
- Xavier Hendon – Trumpet
- Robert McIver – Trumpet
- Tim Johnson – Trombone
- Ashlei Peoples – Keyboards