Sphinx Virtuosi

The Sphinx Virtuosi, formerly known as The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, is a conductorless ensemble of soloists, comprising top alumni of the national Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. This unique group earned rave reviews from The New York Times in December of 2004, during its highly acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall. Allan Kozinn of The Times described their performances as “first-rate in every way” and the ensemble to have “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 ensemble returned to Carnegie Hall in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, to present additional outstanding programs to a fully sold-out hall of over 2,800, earning further praise from The Times for each of its performances. Further, Sphinx Virtuosi earned critical acclaim during its historic inaugural national tour, including Krannert Center, Harris Theater, Penn State and several other key venues. During its second annual tour, the ensemble’s performances were praised by the press for its “technical prowess”, as well as for playing with ‘utmost sensitivity and intelligence to the musical detail, large and small.” Sphinx Virtuosi performed in 13 venues across the country, increasing their appearances by over 50% in just one year. Inspired by Sphinx’s overarching mission, the Sphinx Virtuosi works to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through performances of varied repertoire. They perform masterpieces by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Mozart, alongside the more seldom presented works by composers of color, including Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, George Walker, Michael Abels and Astor Piazzolla. Members of the Sphinx Virtuosi have completed and continue to pursue their studies at the nation’s top music schools, including the Juilliard, Curtis, Eastman, Peabody, Harvard, and the University of Michigan. Additionally, several members hold professional orchestral positions, including the Oregon, Grand Rapids and San Antonio symphonies. Members of the roster have been named Laureates of other prestigious international competitions, including Queen Elizabeth and Yehudi Menuhin. Finally, a number of Sphinx Virtuosi members have appeared as soloists with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Pittsburgh among others. Sphinx Virtuosi is looking forward to presenting its vibrant programming in venues across the country during its fourth annual national tour.