Jeri Lynn Johnson (LTA ’09, ACG ’07) announces the iConduct!™ Festival Concert, to be held on Friday, June 8 at 6:00pm in association with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra at the Kimmel Center (1500 Walnut Street). This free event invites hands-on audience participation with classical music to engage and transform new audiences from passive observers into active listeners through physical activity, and create connections between Philadelphia’s diverse communities. Audience members can join the Maestra onstage and receive a mini-conducting lesson in front of a live world-class orchestra!
According to their website, iConduct!™ is an act of musical revolution. The orchestra has long been considered a metaphor for the world and the conductor’s baton is a symbol of ultimate musical authority. So placing the baton directly into the community’s hands and giving them direct access to the podium sends a clear message that everyone has the right to experience and enjoy classical music for themselves.
How iConduct!™ Works:
Each iConduct!™ concert lasts about one hour and opens with a performance of a familiar classical works by the BPCO. For the Inaugural Festival, iConduct!™ audiences will enjoy Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.
While the orchestra performs a movement from the symphony, volunteers approach the stage to sign up with an orchestra representative for the opportunity to take the conductor’s podium. Participants of any age can volunteer; no prior musical training or experience is required.
Between performed movements of the symphony, volunteers are invited on stage to get a mini-conducting lesson from the Maestra on the music they just heard. Participants will learn about beat patterns, dynamics, tempo and through experimentation learn to express emotions and musical character through their own gestures.
The alternation between professional performance and iConduct!™ sessions will be repeated for each movement of the symphony and as appropriate for the repertoire. Approximately 12 audience members will have an opportunity to take the stage during each event.
