ARRAY @ LA Phil

Inspired by the friendship between composers Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, whose mutual support helped them break down barriers to have their music heard in the classical music world of the early 20th century, Rock My Soul celebrates historical and present-day collaborations between Black Women artists.

ARRAY partnered with the LA Philharmonic to curate the Rock My Soul Festival Humanities programs in November 2022. Combining music and storytelling to amplify the artistry of Black women, our series included, Movie Soundtrack Yoga, a participatory event led by R&B Yoga founder Lauren Spearman onstage at The Ford Theater; a musical experience by Grammy Award-winning musician and QUEEN SUGAR composer Meshell Ndegeocello at Walt Disney Concert Hall, followed by a conversation moderated by the legendary producer and songwriter Jimmy Jam; and a screening of classic gem CARMEN JONES (1954) preceded by a stunning live performance by mezzo-soprano opera singer J’Nai Bridges at REDCAT.

ARRAY’s trio of programs were produced as a platform for participants to rediscover and reflect on the abundant contributions made by Black women, past and present, across musical genres in relation to storytelling through the lens of television and film.