Symphonic music in the 21st century often takes back seat to any number of other musical genres or spectator activities, but Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra hopes to remind Philadelphia about the beauty and wonder of the symphony. For their inaugural concert at the Dell Music Center, Knight Arts grantee Black Pearl will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, “Ode to Joy,” along with members of communities from all around the City of Brotherly Love who were invited to rehearse and perform with the group.

Founded in 2007 in Philadelphia, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra seeks to serve as a model for the 21st-century American orchestra. Music Director and Maestra Jeri Lynne Johnson is not only the founder of Black Pearl, but one of the only female African-American conductors in the scene today.

Johnson’s goal is to engage as much of the Philadelphia community as possible, and this symphonic excursion in East Fairmount Park is a great way to spread the wonderful, musical wealth. June 21, as well as being the Summer Solstice and the year’s longest day, also happens to be National Music Day. Black Pearl and additional talented musicians from around the city will take to the open-air amphitheater to take part in a rare English-language performance of this musical masterpiece.

The event is also an effort to emphasize the importance of music and art in a well-rounded education, and Black Pearl has established a working partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. Through this relationship, music teachers and talented student musicians will join the professional musicians of Black Pearl to provide a summery, orchestral treat for Philadelphia. Other partners include the Department of Parks and Recreation, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Make Music Philly, The Urban League of Philadelphia, William Way LGBT Community Center, Communities in Schools of Philadelphia, People for People and Opera Philadelphia.

Not only is the event free and open to the public, but your friends, neighbors and family members may very well be up on stage alongside the orchestra. Beethoven’s final symphony was a call for people of all colors and creeds to gather together in a spirit of unity, and in keeping with this attitude, Black Pearl will revisit Symphony No. 9 for all and by all. The concert will take place at the Dell Music Center on June 21 at 7 p.m.

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra is located at 6757 Greene St., Suite 130, Philadelphia; 215-717-7103; blackpearlco.org.