Sphinx Musicians Return to Carnegie Hall Stage

The next generation of classical musicians must reflect the cultural diversity present in everyday life. In this spirit, The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall, co-presented by Sheila C. Johnson, will take place on October 5, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium.

The concert will feature the critically acclaimed all Black and Latino Sphinx Chamber Orchestra and soloists from the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. Last year's inspiring concert sold out to an audience of nearly 3,000 and was critically acclaimed by Allan Kozinn of The New York Times.

The event, chaired by Delroy Lindo, Actor and Director, has already received leadership support from Sphinx sponsors Sander Buchman and Norma K. Buchman, James M. and Jaclyn P. Fox, Carl and Charlene Herstein, John Morning, Nordstrom, Inc., William F. Pickard, Detroit, Michigan, Victoria Hull Sharp, Paul and Kathy Weaver, and Vanessa Williams (Actress, Singer). The concert directly promotes Sphinx's mission to build diversity in classical music on stage, in the audience, and through the performance of works by composers of color.

"Seeing classical musicians of color onstage resonates with audience members from all walks of life, but especially with young people, who realize that there is a way to achieve their dreams," states Delroy Lindo. "Our goal is to increase the support for these young musicians, who are truly changing the face of classical music."

"I am proud to chair this event and thank all of our current sponsors for their commitment. To fully sustain the performance - and Sphinx's mission - I urge my colleagues and fellow artists to join me in supporting this incredible event."

The October 2010 performance marks the sixth appearance of the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The ensemble is comprised of top alumni and Laureates of the annual Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. The Orchestra will perform under the direction of prominent Conductor and Actor, Damon Gupton.

"Through vital support from our co-presenters and our sponsors, Sphinx can continue to give young musicians of color the opportunity to perform on one of the world's great stages," said the organization's Founder and President Aaron P. Dworkin.

"Even more, we have shared their artistic excellence and talent with thousands of young people from the New York area," added Dworkin.

Dworkin founded the Sphinx Organization in 1996, and was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2005 in recognition of his work in bringing diversity to classical music.

The Sphinx Organization is the national nonprofit organization committed to building diversity in classical music and proudly presents the concert at Carnegie Hall as a part of the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra's third national tour.

The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall is presented with generous support from Sheila C. Johnson and Bloomberg.

The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour is made possible by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Support for youth and community programs through Musical Encounters-The Tour! provided by Target.

Information regarding Sponsorship opportunities and VIP arrangements are available through the Sphinx Organization by calling Marshay R. Williams at (646) 429-1987, ext. 713 or emailing marshay@sphinxmusic.org. Exclusive VIP experiences made possible by Belvedere Vodka.

About The Sphinx Organization

The mission of the Sphinx Organization is to increase Black and Latino participation in music schools, as professional musicians, and as classical music audiences; to administer youth development initiatives in underserved communities through music education; and to promote the creation, performance, and preservation of works by Black and Latino composers.

The organization's programming reaches more than 30,000 young people across the country each year.

For additional information, call the Sphinx Organization at (646)429-1987 or visit www.sphinxmusic.org