Rewriting The Score, One Beat At A Time

The image of an orchestra is rooted in tradition: Tuxedos, concert halls and centuries-old classical compositions. But Orchestra Noir is striking a different chord.

Founded in Atlanta in 2016, Orchestra Noir is an all-Black orchestra blending classical music with hip-hop, R&B, pop, and other contemporary genres. 

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The group regularly travels to major cities across the United States—such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, and Detroit—performing in major concert halls and theaters.

Under the baton of Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers, the ensemble is reimagining what orchestral music can sound like and who sees themselves represented on stage.

“I felt like we were underrepresented in the orchestral world,” Rodgers said. “So I said, let’s do an all-Black orchestra.” 

Orchestra Noir is deeply personal. Growing up in North Philadelphia, he moved between two musical worlds. At home, Rodgers was immersed in hip-hop and R&B, but at school he was studying and performing classical music. Rather than choosing between them, he found a way to bring them into harmony.

“You’re hearing the greatest hip-hop being told through an orchestral lens,” he said.

The orchestra’s performances are anything but conventional. Audiences can expect soaring strings alongside chart-topping hits, with musicians, vocalists and dancers creating an experience that feels as much like a concert as it does a symphony.

From ballads like “Dangerously in Love 2” by Beyonce, to party classics like “Yeah!” by Usher, there’s something for everyone.

“You can expect to be on your feet,” Rodgers said. “Dancing for me is so important because it’s basically the most exalted expression of the human body, and to be able to give that to people is so rewarding.”

For the group, the mission extends beyond entertainment. As Orchestra Noir continues to grow, its mission is to bring orchestral music to everyone. By blending genres, celebrating Black excellence and challenging expectations, the ensemble isn’t rewriting the rules of classical music — it’s adding a powerful new movement to its story.

“Music is joy,” trumpet and flugelhorn player Tiffany Goode said. “So, to be able to escape everything that’s happening in the world today for those couple of hours and enjoy yourself, dance, sing, and just give it all away — I think that’s a beautiful thing.”

Watch the video above to learn more about Orchestra Noir and click here to learn more about concert programming.