Sphinx Virtuosi and Catalyst Quartet Return to Carnegie Hall Stage; Vanessa Williams, 2011 Honorary Chair

[Vanessa Williams]

Sphinx Organization

SphinxMusic.org

“Vanessa Williams, 2011 Honorary Chair of Sphinx Artist Series, October 12

In celebration of 15 years of excellence and diversity throughout its programs, the Sphinx Organization will launch its Sphinx15 campaign at the annual Artist Series at Carnegie Hall. The Sphinx Artist Series at Carnegie Hall, co-presented by Bloomberg and the Sander and Norma K. Buchman Fund, will take place on October 12, 2011 at 6 p.m. in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium. This year’s event is led by Honorary Chair, Actress and Recording Artist Vanessa Williams.

“The concert will feature the critically acclaimed Sphinx Virtuosi as well as the Catalyst Quartet, a Sphinx ensemble. Last year's inspiring concert sold out to an audience of nearly 3,000 and received rave reviews from The New York Times' Allan Kozinn. The event, chaired by Vanessa Williams, Actress and Recording Artist, has already received leadership support from the Jason Richardson Foundation as a Sphinx15 Angel Sponsor. 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.

“'As the daughter of music teachers, the indelible influence of music education played an important role in my becoming the person I am today. Education was always a priority of my parents and I believe every young student should be afforded the same opportunities that I had in school,' states Vanessa Williams.

'“Through sustained support from our co-presenters, Bloomberg and the Sander and Norma K. Buchman Fund, and all of our committed sponsors, Sphinx provides 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. 'Our artists are dedicated to giving enriching and captivating performances and we are honored that Vanessa Williams has a leadership role in the celebration of our work over the past 15 years,' Dworkin added.

“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. In 2010, Dworkin was President Barack Obama’s first nominee to the National Council on the Arts.” [Aaron Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]