Sphinx Virtuosi

“Drawing inspiration from the most promising voices of today, we seek to lift the many voices within our communities. Despite the physical isolation imposed by the pandemic, we are unified through our shared commitment to social impact through our expression. We are inspired by the music of Michael Abels, one of the most versatile composers of today, spanning cinema and symphonies alike. The sounds of Jessie Montgomery’s “Source Code” redefine our canon of tomorrow. Starting with the new work by Xavier Foley, “Ev’ry Voice” and on our journey toward other American classics, we seek to find new ways to lift the voices of our black and brown communities through the lens of our black and brown musicians.  Though we are separated by distances and time, we collaborate to share the voices of our flagship ensembles to unify our greater communities during these challenging yet transformative times.” – The Sphinx Virtuosi

The Sphinx Virtuosi are the nation’s most dynamic, exhilarating professional chamber orchestra, dedicated to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in classical music. Comprised of eighteen of the nation’s top Black and Latinx classical soloists, the Virtuosi are primarily alumni of the internationally renowned Sphinx Competition, and its members work together as cultural ambassadors reaching new audiences. This unique ensemble earned rapturous reviews from The New York Times during its highly acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall in December 2004: Allan Kozinn described their performance as “first-rate in every way” and raved that “the ensemble produced a more beautiful, precise and carefully shaped sound than some fully professional orchestras that come through Carnegie Hall in the course of the year.” 

The Sphinx Virtuosi have returned to Carnegie Hall annually since 2006, performing to sold-out audiences and earning additional outstanding reviews from The New York Times each year. Acting as a bridge between minority communities and the classical music establishment, the Sphinx Virtuosi continue to garner critical acclaim during their annual national tours to many of the leading venues around the country. Inspired by the Sphinx Organization’s overarching mission, the Sphinx Virtuosi work to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through performances of kaleidoscopically varied repertoire. Masterpieces by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and Mozart are performed alongside the more seldom-presented works by composers of color, including Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, George Walker, Michael Abels, and Astor Piazzolla.

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