Jason Rodgers presents 1st all-Black orchestra in Atlanta

Conductor, pianist and composer Jason Ikeem Rodgers (Photo credit: P Max Eremine)

Jason Rodgers, a Philadelphia native, moved to Atlanta to serve as the music director of the Clarkston Civic Orchestra. Prior to this move, Rodgers has appeared with many exceptional orchestras nationally. Some of the accolades Rodger has been awarded include first prize in the London Classical Soloists competition and being named winner of the International Conducting Competition held in Atlanta. However, winning the conducting competition by the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina in Florence, Italy was the most recent award Rodgers received abroad.

The recognition Rodgers has received is the result of the passion and love he has for music. He hopes to extend this passion and love to wider, more diverse audience by creating Orchestra Noir, an all-Black orchestra, which he plans to present to audiences later this year.

Jason Ikeem Rodgers and Orchestra Noir – Photo Credit Jonell Media PR

Orchestra Noir – Photo Credit Jonell Media PR via Steed Media

Rolling out was able to take a sneak peek at the new orchestra and check out their amazing sound.

Jason received his professional studies diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music in Orchestral Conducting under Carl Topilow and Louis Lane. He received his Master of Music and Conducting from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Serge Zehnacker and John Mauceri, and holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance under Clifton Matthews, from the same institution.

What are your thoughts on an all-Black orchestra? Check out the band rehearsal photos, after the break.