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Conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson: Born to Make Music

Conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson:  Born to Make Music

Introduction to Jeri Lynne Johnson. 1:08 min. Interview: Raymond Elman.  Post-Production: Lee Skye.  Recorded via ZOOM   1/13/2025, Miami & Philadelphia.

 

In 2005, JERI LYNNE JOHNSON made history as the first Black woman to win an international conducting prize when she was awarded the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship.  Since then she has continued to break barriers in Europe and the US as the first woman and/or African-American woman on the podium for many orchestras and opera companies in the US and Europe including the Bournemouth Symphony (UK), the Weimar Staatskapelle.  Recent conducting engagements include performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Sao Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra, and Santa Fe Opera.  Johnson was also selected to conduct the Pulitzer Prize winning composition “Stride” by Tania Leon as part of the composer’s tribute for the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors performance.

Johnson is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra.  Established in 2008, Black Pearl combines artistic excellence, creative impact, and meaningful community engagement and has been recognized nationally and internationally as an award-winning leading innovator in establishing a culture of belonging in classical music.  In January 2021, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra had the honor of being the only orchestra in North America invited to participate in a virtual collaborative concert as part of the World Economic Forum at Davos.  This inspiring event called “See Me! A Global Concert” involved filmmakers, visual artists, choirs, orchestras and musicians from around the world.

Johnson is also civically engaged and has served on prestigious grant panels and Boards of Directors of a number of organizations including Einstein Health Network, the National Endowment for the Arts, New Music USA,  the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science (the “Grammys”), the Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and the Philadelphia Award.

Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in music and religion from Wellesley College in 1993, and a master’s degree in music history and music theory from the University of Chicago.

 

The videos below were recorded via Zoom, are organized by Success Factor, and run between 30 seconds and 9 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.

 

COMPULSION:   1:41 min.

Where did you grow up, and what was your first awareness of art of any discipline?

 

COMPULSION:   1:38 min.

When did you become aware that your musical talent at the age of three was special?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   1:52 min.

Why were you drawn to classical music at such an early age?

 

VALUES FIRST-RATE EDUCATION:   3:03 min.

Where did you go to school. and what did you learn that still informs you today?

 

DEVELOP A VOICE:   1:04 min.

Where did you learn how to be a conductor?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:    0:24 sec.

Have you worked with the New World Symphony before?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:    2:33 min.

What is your experience with contemporary classical music?

 

UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS OF ART:     8:21 min.

Tell us about the evolution of your career.

 

PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS:    3:32 min.

Who are some of your role models and mentors?

 

SELF-CONFIDENCE:    3:14 min

Some of the women I have interviewed for ArtSpeak spoke about “The Imposter Syndrome.” Has that been an issue for you?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:    1:33 min

The physical movements of male conductors seem very macho (showing command) to me. Do you project a non-macho image when you conduct?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:    3:51 min. 

What’s your vision for the “Transition and Trailblazers” concert that you will be conducting at the New World Center?

 

COMMUNITY VALUES:    2:34 min.

Tell us about your arts consulting practice.

 

CRITICAL THINKING:    1:17 min

What are your thoughts about the intensified attack on DEI?

 

OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO SUCCEED:    5:21 min.

Describe a challenging situation with a successful outcome.

 

UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS OF ART:   1:19 min. 

Do you write your grant applications yourself? Or do you have a grant writer?

 

CRITICAL THINKING:    2:38 min

What are some of the challenges you face in the next few years? And what’s on your drawing board?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:     0:42 sec.

What’s your favorite movie?