Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

All-Black Illharmonic Orchestra Fuses Hip-Hop, Classical at D.C. Theater

7/25/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The all-Black Illharmonic Orchestra performed at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C.
Vocalists Jeffrey McNeill (“Thee Phantom”) and Andrea Coln McNeill (“The Phoenix”), a married couple, led the ensemble.
The group blends hip-hop, R&B and classical music to promote diversity with an all-Black lineup.
The lineup featured violinists Tauhida Smith and Leanne Holmes, violist Tara Cuffee, cellist Kaleb Cabell and other instrumentalists.

1 of 1

Story summary

The all-Black Illharmonic Orchestra performed at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C.
Vocalists Jeffrey McNeill (“Thee Phantom”) and Andrea Coln McNeill (“The Phoenix”), a married couple, led the ensemble.
The group blends hip-hop, R&B and classical music to promote diversity with an all-Black lineup.
The lineup featured violinists Tauhida Smith and Leanne Holmes, violist Tara Cuffee, cellist Kaleb Cabell and other instrumentalists.