[TOP: Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Conducting the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble. Photo courtesy of the Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College, Chicago. CENTER: George Walker BOTTOM: Sphinx Virtuosi Live in Concert; Sphinx Virtuosi; White Pine Music WPM227 (2011) (42:49)]
The liner notes of the CD Sphinx Virtuosi Live in Concert inform us: “Sphinx Virtuosi, formerly known as the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, is an 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 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 is a creation of the Sphinx Organization, whose mission is to build diversity in classical music. It was founded in 1996 by Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), who is profiled at AfriClassical.com.
The ensemble is a creation of the Sphinx Organization, whose mission is to build diversity in classical music. It was founded in 1996 by Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), who is profiled at AfriClassical.com.
White Pine Music is the recording label of the Central Michigan University School of Music. It is operated under the Center for Creative Media. Sphinx Virtuosi Live in Concert was produced and engineered by Scott Burgess, with graphic design by Jon Crain. It was recorded live in the Staples Family Concert Hall at Central Michigan University on October 21, 2010. The Sphinx Virtuosi performed under the direction of Damon Gupton. The liner notes tell us: “This live recording was made during Sphinx Virtuosi's fourth annual national tour.”
The notes say of the conductor: “A native of Detroit, Michigan, Damon Gupton held the post of Assistant Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony from 2006-2008.” The program is fascinating and well-balanced. The composers are Jean Sibelius, Gabriela Lena Frank, George Walker, Felix Mendelssohn and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson. George Walker (b. 1922) and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932-2004) are profiled at AfriClassical.com. The CD was released in February 2011 and is available from White Pine Music and from music websites including Amazon.com.
The notes say of the conductor: “A native of Detroit, Michigan, Damon Gupton held the post of Assistant Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony from 2006-2008.” The program is fascinating and well-balanced. The composers are Jean Sibelius, Gabriela Lena Frank, George Walker, Felix Mendelssohn and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson. George Walker (b. 1922) and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932-2004) are profiled at AfriClassical.com. The CD was released in February 2011 and is available from White Pine Music and from music websites including Amazon.com.
Sphinx Virtuosi
Violin I
Ilmar Gavilán, Concertmaster
Elena Urioste, Assistant Concertmaster
Jannina Barefield
Karla Donehew-Perez
Jessie Montgomery
Annelle Gregory
Violin II
Melissa White, Principal
Amyr Joyner
Monica Davis
Elizabeth Ramos
Viola
Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Principal
Kaila Potts
Paul Laraia
Yunior Lopez
Cello
Paul Wiancko, Principal
Karlos Rodriguez
Tony Rymer
Ryan Murphy
Bass
Maurice Belle, Principal
Xavier Foley
Track Listing
1. Andante Festivo - Jean Sibelius
2. "Coqueteos" from Leyendas, an Andean Walkabout - Gabriela Lena Frank
3. Lyric for String - George Walker
4. Sinfonia for String Orchestra No. 7 in D Minor - Allegro - Felix Mendelssohn
5. Sinfonia for String Orchestra No. 7 in D Minor - Andante Amorence - Felix Mendelssohn
6. Sinfonia for String Orchestra No. 7 in D Minor - Menuetto - Felix Mendelssohn
7. Sinfonia for String Orchestra No. 7 in D Minor - Allegro Molto - Felix Mendelssohn
8. Sinfonietta No. 1 for Strings - Rondo - Allegro Furioso - Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson
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