Daily Bow: 'Breaking Boundaries with Aaron Dworkin'

[Aaron P. Dworkin]

String Visions

Ovation Press

Sphinx Organization founder Aaron Dworkin is a musician forging his own path and redefining what it means to be an artist.

“For every super-star performer we know, there are hundreds of non-performing musicians who are just as important to the health of the music scene as the latest prodigy is. One such man is Aaron Dworkin, the Detroit-based violinist who founded the now-famous Sphinx Organization. Dworkin, a man with a vision for the world and a vision for how classical music can fit into that world, has not only been named a MacArthur fellow (and thereby a recipient of the coveted 'MacArthur genius grant'), he was confirmed in August by the Senate as the newest member of the National Council on the Arts, an advisory body to the National Endowment for the Arts.

A recent interview published on the NEA’s website profiles Dworkin and discusses his many accomplishments. The resulting article is an inspiring one, and it challenges the traditional performing musician’s vision of what a career in music can be. Dworkin’s vision, as expressed through the Sphinx Organization’s website, is this:

'We envision a world in which classical music reflects cultural diversity and plays a role in the everyday lives of youth.'

“The Sphinx Organization, which is widely known now, aims to promote the advancement of Latino and African-American classical performers and is currently in the process of promoting its 15th annual competition. The organization is perhaps best known for its competition, but the goal of the Detroit-based not-for-profit is much larger in scope than that. Dworkin, speaking of vision and of his own experience as a musician, makes it clear that music is not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all business.” [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

“Uncommon Rhythm: 'A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership'”

[Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership; Aaron P. Dworkin, author; Aquarius Press, publisher (2011)]

Shortly after the launch of the website which came to be known as AfriClassical.com, we realized that our list of Composers of African Descent needed to be accompanied by a list of Musicians of African Descent. Most are instrumentalists or conductors, but one person honored with a page at the website was Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), who stood out because he had recently founded the Sphinx Organization to provide opportunities to young Black and Latino string players. The genius of Aaron Dworkin's concept was reflected by the fact that the Sphinx Organization became a national institution virtually overnight, a point of entry allowing young string musicians of color a chance to hone their skills and participate in their chosen field of classical music.

We are proud to tell our readers of the publication of Aaron Dworkin's new memoir:

Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership

The book has just been released by Aquarius Press, whose website is: http://www.aquariuspressbookseller.net/uncommonrhythm.html.

Aaron Dworkin provides a synopsis of the book, and tells us: “Key testimonials may be found on the website including Branford Marsalis, former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm and others. I hope you enjoy learning about my personal journey!”

Aaron P. Dworkin

Founder & President, The Sphinx Organization, www.sphinxmusic.org

Social Entrepreneur, Spoken Word Artist, Visual Artist, Author, www.aarondworkin.com

Member, National Council on the Arts, http://www.nea.gov/about/NCA/Dworkin.html

AQUARIUS PRESS

“Aquarius Press is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the long-awaited inspirational memoir by White House Champion of Change Aaron P. Dworkin, Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership. Aaron is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, the leading national arts organization that focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music. Uncommon Rhythm is a harrowing yet moving account of Aaron’s journey through social isolation and discrimination to found one of the nation’s cultural jewels. The book is a tapestry of stirring narrative, precious photos and poignant poems. A MacArthur Fellow, Aaron is driven by the single vision of 'inclusion for all,' and hopes that this book will inspire all people who have ever felt like outsiders to nurture their own gifts and make valuable contributions to society.”

More about Uncommon Rhythm

“Aaron Dworkin is America’s everyman and America’s exceptionalism rolled into one person; he is inspiration personified. The tapestry of his life has been breathtaking: powerful threads of talent braided with soft threads of religion and colorful threads of ethnicity, creating an extraordinary memoir that is both compelling and endearing.”

~Jennifer Granholm, (former) Governor of State of Michigan

“Success is an amazing combination of talent, hard work, and good fortune. Aaron Dworkin is the embodiment of this troika, and his story is quintessentially an American one. As his book shows, he has made the most of opportunities presented to him, and his words show him to be a visionary in the promotion of American culture to its young citizens. Uncommon Rhythm is a very informative, and inspirational read.”

~Branford Marsalis, Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Musician

Former Leader of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Band

"Aaron Dworkin is a gifted and extraordinary leader. His passion for music and unwavering commitment has transformed youth at risk, urban areas, and the world of classical music. His story and message are a must-read. You will be inspired by his gripping journey. Highly recommended!"

~Josh Linkner, NY Times Bestselling author, Disciplined Dreaming, CEO and Managing Director, Detroit Venture Partners, Professor of Applied Creativity, University of Michigan

“Aaron Dworkin is a living testimony to the power of art to bridge cultures, races and socio-economic barriers . . . a leader whose rising star shines brightly on a path that is so needed and missing in the world today.“

~Janet Brown, Executive Director; Grantmakers in the Arts

More about Aaron P. Dworkin

“Named a 2011 White House Champion of Change, a MacArthur Fellow, a Member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee and President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council on the Arts, Aaron P. Dworkin is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, the leading national arts organization that focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music. An author, social entrepreneur, artist-citizen and an avid youth education advocate, he has received extensive national recognition for his vast accomplishments. He has been featured in People, on NBC’s Today Show and Nightly News with Brian Williams, CNN’s Airport Network-Innovator Series and Anderson Cooper 360°, named one of Newsweek’s 15 People Who Make America Great , NPR’s “The Story and Performance Today,” in addition to articles in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, Washington Post and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, as well as many other media outlets.”

Book Information

“Uncommon Rhythm:

A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership

September 30, 2011

Aquarius Press

ISBN 978-0-9846212-7-9

6 x 9

208 pages

$19.95”

The book is available from the publisher, and will shortly be offered as an Ebook and will be sold by book sellers including Amazon.com and local book stores.

DailyMotion.com: “Dworkin on Musical Training: Avoiding 'Good Job Syndrome' Aspen Institute”

[Aaron P. Dworkin]

In this FORA.tv video, Aaron Dworkin speaks of the “level of excellence” required for students in Music Education:

DailyMotion.com

“Aspen Institute - Paepcke Auditorium
The Arts, and Our Kids AARON DWORKIN Founder and President, Sphinx Organization WU HAN Artistic Director, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center DAVID FINCKEL Artistic Director, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Moderator: DAMIAN WOETZEL Entering its seventh year, the Aspen Ideas Festival will gather some of the most interesting thinkers and leaders from around the US and abroad to discuss their work, the issues that inspire them, and their ideas. Presented by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic, the Festival is unique in its dedication to dialogue and exchange, and in its commitment to bringing ideas to the public at large. FORA.tv is pleased to present Festival programs taking place at the Aspen Institute's Paepcke Auditorium." [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana: 'Orchestras slowly add racial, ethnic diversity'

[Aaron Dworkin]

The Journal Gazette

Fort Wayne, IN

Published: May 15, 2011

Emma Downs

“Although racial and ethnic diversity is increasing in the United States, many orchestras and symphonies across the country still do not represent the communities they play for. At least not yet. As of 2008, roughly 87 percent of the musicians in orchestras nationwide were white, according to the League of American Orchestras. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s diversity is slightly greater than the national average. White artists make up 81 percent of the local orchestra.

“Slowly but surely, the national disparity is changing, says John Bence, director of public relations for the League of American Orchestras. 'Change happens slowly in orchestras,' he says. 'Orchestras are like universities. There is a tenure for the artists. Once you’re a member of an orchestra, you can be there for life. So a pipeline begins to form. But we are seeing a change.' The lack of diversity is based on several factors, including historical precedents.”

“Thanks to a number of initiatives by orchestras to expose children of all races to classical music and to assist with the professional development of minority performers, an increasing number of orchestras are hiring minority musicians. Some programs, such as the Boston Symphony’s Project STEP, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Atlanta Symphony’s Talent Development program, target minority musicians specifically. Violinist and music educator Aaron Dworkin is the founder of a similar program, the Sphinx Organization, which is entering its 15th year. The Detroit-based non-profit is dedicated to the development of young black and Latino classical musicians.

“Dworkin, a member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee, agrees that increasing diversity in orchestras is a slow – but necessary – process.” “'In cities where the minority is the majority, or will be soon, to have a lack of diversity puts limitations on our art form,' he says. 'Music thrives on new interpretations and new voices. By limiting these types of voices, we limit the evolution of the art form.'

“One of the most significant barriers to increasing diversity in both orchestras and audiences is the decrease in music education in public schools, Dworkin says. 'It’s important that a person be engaged at a young age,' he says. 'So increasing diversity becomes a complex problem, which is why orchestras are creating programs that create access for children.' Locally, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic exposes children to classical music via programs such as Discovery Concerts, school concerts, Young People’s Concerts and Club O. Access to music bridges racial, ethnic and economic disparity, says Aaron Butler, director of education for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.”

“Programs such as Club O are working, but Dworkin wishes changes would happen more quickly. 'I’m an impatient person,' he says. 'But it’s more important to bring about change in a sustainable way that maintains our artistic integrity. We don’t want to change quickly just for the sake of changing quickly. But it should be a priority of every major orchestra to realize how diversity affects their community. Orchestras are businesses designed to deliver an artistic product. To not encourage diversity and exposure to young people does their community and themselves a disservice.'” [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

Harvard Crimson: 'Dworkin Calls for a Symphony of Diversity'

[Violinist Aaron P. Dworkin (Kelly S Robinson)]

The Harvard Crimson

By Sophie E. Heller, Contributing Writer

Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2011

“'I am basically a black, white, Irish, Jewish Jehovah’s Witness who plays the violin—the definition of diversity,' said Aaron P. Dworkin, violinist and founder of the Sphinx Organization, a national non-profit group which promotes racial diversity in the classical music world. In his Learning From Performers lecture on Friday, March 11 at the Barker Center, Dworkin attributed this background as one of his motivations to promote diversity in classical music, a field which he says still contains starkly underrepresented percentages of African-American and Hispanic musicians. As this year’s recipient of the Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award, administered by the Office for the Arts at Harvard, Dworkin was invited to discuss the dearth of minorities in classical music and the efforts that Sphinx is spearheading to bring change.”

“His adoptive mother’s love for the violin convinced Dworkin to take up the instrument, and he has not looked back since. However, Dworkin’s rise as a classical musician is uncommon. Historically, classical music has never been particularly diverse; Dworkin said only two percent of musicians in classical orchestras are African-American and another one percent are Hispanic. According to Dworkin, there are currently no black members of the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra gained its first black musician only in the last six years. Dworkin said that he was either the only African-American student or one of a small handful at every musical institution that he attended, including programs at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the University of Michigan. He described his shock during his college years when he learned that there was an entire repertoire of African-American classical composition that he had not known existed. This realization, combined with today’s lack of minorities both on stages and in the audience, led Dworkin to found the Sphinx Organization.”

“One video, called 'Sphinx: The Sound of Change,' was comprised of inspirational clips of young minority musicians who have benefited from the Sphinx’s intensive summer boot camp and other educational programs. After presenting the clips, Dworkin added, 'By diversifying musicians on stage, the art form really evolves—and that, I think, is a benefit to everyone.'” [Aaron Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

BlackTieMagazine.com: 'Aaron P. Dworkin Named Recipient of Harvard University’s Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award'

[Aaron P. Dworkin, Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization]

Black Tie International Magazine

“Violinist and Founder of Sphinx Organization to Lecture March 11

(Cambridge, MA)—Aaron P. Dworkin, Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, which focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music performance and education, is the recipient of Harvard University’s Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award. Dworkin will visit Harvard University on Friday, March 11 to attend a lunch in his honor and deliver a lecture, 'Breaking the Sound Barrier: The Sphinx Organization and Classical Music,' which will be held at 3 pm at the Barker Center for the Humanities, 12 Quincy St., Cambridge, MA. Admission is free and open to the public (tickets or RSVPs are not required). For more information, call 617.495.8676 or visit http://www.ofa.fas.harvard.edu/lfp

“The Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award, which offers an honorarium of $10,000 to a nationally recognized educator and is administered by the Office for the Arts at Harvard, was established by Professor and Mrs. Ray A. Goldberg and the Max Goldberg Foundation in order to perpetuate the values and teaching skills represented by the late Professor Vosgerchian who, at her retirement from Harvard University in 1990, was the Walter W. Naumberg Professor of Music Emerita in the Department of Music. The guidelines require that the recipient embody the following qualities: selfless commitment; artistic conscience; a constant renewal of approach to subject matter; ability to motivate in a positive and creative way; a sincere interest in the development of the whole person; and the ability to present musical knowledge in a way that is applicable to other disciplines.

“'Aaron Dworkin embodies the very qualities that the creators of the Luise Vosgerchian Award hold most dear,” said Jack Megan, Director, Office for the Arts at Harvard. “Just as Professor Vosgerchian did, Mr. Dworkin has inspired generations of students with his energy, passion, devotion and musical brilliance. Through the creation of Sphinx, he has fostered the musical development of literally thousands of young people, and begun to change the face of classical music both with regard to orchestral membership and repertoire. He is an artist, an advocate, a strategist and a man on a mission, and the ripple effects of his work are being felt in classical music circles across the country.'” [Aaron Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and at http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

Ray Calabrese's Buckeye Blog on Aaron Dworkin: 'Stubborness & Persistence is All it Takes'

[Aaron P. Dworkin]

Ray Calabrese's Buckeye Blog

“Stubborness & Persistence is All it Takes

Sep 28 2010

All It Takes Is One Stubborn Person

Difference makers refuse to take no for an answer. Difference makers intuitively sense the pressure points, the place where their efforts will make a difference. Once they recognize the pressure points, they move without counting the cost. They are all in, holding nothing back.

“Once such difference maker is Aaron Dworkin. Aaron Dworkin is an African American who was adopted and raised by Jewish parents. At five, he began playing the violin. He studied at the University of Michigan and met the African-American composer William Grant. William Grant changed Aaron’s life. Aaron said, 'No one ever told me this music existed. It would enrich so many people in the minority community. I thought, Why aren’t they hearing it, too? You can’t complain about something, unless you’re doing something about it.'

“He did something about it. He founded the Sphinx Organization in Detroit to introduce young African American and Latino children into classical music. All Aaron started with was an idea and passion to make a difference. Because of his persistence and stubbornness to make a difference, Sphinx has helped nearly 45,000 students in 100 schools and awarded $800,000 in scholarships.”

AfriClassical.com posted a comment on the above article on September 28, 2010:

“Aaron P. Dworkin is indeed a remarkable person with uncommon drive. For approximately 9 years he has been featured as a Musician of African Descent at www.AfriClassical.com, which devotes a page to him. The companion blog, AfriClassical.blogspot.com, posts frequent news of Aaron and the Sphinx Organization he founded. I would like to suggest that it is improbable that he met William Grant Still. The composer was quite ill in his final few years, and when he died in Los Angeles in 1978, Aaron Dworkin was an 8-year-old violin student living in New York City. It is my understanding that Aaron Dworkin learned of the music of William Grant Still in the 1990s, when he studied Violin Performance at the University of Michigan. This correction does not in any way diminish the importance of Aaron P. Dworkin as a model of persistence.”

[William Grant Still (1895-1978) and Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) are profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a complete Works List for William Grant Still, compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin]

Sphinx Organization: 'Sphinx Programs and Founder on Fox News Tomorrow!' 3-4 PM & 7-8 PM ET

[Photo of Aaron P. Dworkin by Bruce Giffin, Detroit Public Television]

The Sphinx Organization announces that its video at RealAmericanStories.com will be shown on Fox News tomorrow, Dec. 31, 2009:
“Catch 'Real American Stories' on Fox News,” 3-4 PM ET; or 7-8 PM ET Dec. 31”
On the video Melissa White, violinist, Sphinx Laureate and member of the Harlem Quartet, joins in articulating the vision and unparalleled accomplishments in Classical Music Diversity of Aaron P. Dworkin, Winner of a MacArthur Genius Fellowship and countless other honors, who is Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, headquartered in Detroit and serving the country. [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is profiled at AfriClassical.com as a Musician of African Descent]

Detroit Free Press: 'Former winner Elena Urioste to solo at Sphinx competition'

[Elena Urioste]

BY MARK STRYKER • FREE PRESS MUSIC WRITER • January 25, 2009
At 22, violinist Elena Urioste is still studying at the Juilliard School, but she's on a fast track. With professional management behind her, she has embarked on a solo career. This week Urioste returns to Detroit for the 12th annual Sphinx Competition for young African-American and Latino string players, the launching pad for her success. Urioste won the Sphinx junior division in 2003 and the senior division in 2007. At this year's event, she'll team up with another former Sphinx winner, Melissa White, at next Sunday's Finals Concert. The pair will perform part of Prokofiev's Sonata for Two Violins. The Sphinx competition, founded by MacArthur fellow Aaron Dworkin, has become a signature national event for its efforts to promote minorities in classical music. The competition doles out more than $100,000 annually in prizes, scholarships and performance opportunities. [Full Post] [The Founder/President of The Sphinx Organization is violinist Aaron P. Dworkin, who is profiled as a Musician of African Descent at AfriClassical.com]

Aaron Dworkin, Founder/President of Sphinx Organization, Born Sept. 11, 1970

(Photo: Aaron Dworkin & Trevor Ochieng, 2004 1st place Jr. Division Laureate, Sphinx Competition)

Aaron Paul Dworkin was born in Monticello, New York on Sept. 11, 1970 to White and Black parents. At the age of two weeks he was adopted by a White couple in New York City. He began playing the violin at age five. When Aaron was 10, the family moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, which had only one Black family. Racism made life difficult for him there. He graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, and received his Bachelor of Music and Masters of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan.

He was often the only student of color in a Violin class. It was not until college that he was introduced to the rich classical repertoire of Black composers such as William Grant Still. He decided one way to bring about racial diversity in the study, performance and enjoyment of classical music was to help young string students of color prepare for careers as performers in major orchestras. In 1996, while still a graduate student at the University of Michigan, Aaron became Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, which organized a national competition for Black and Latino string students. That is why he is honored as a Musician of African Descent at the website AfriClassical.com

With the support of JPMorganChase, Dworkin guided the organization through its 10th Annual Sphinx Competition in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Feb. 7-11 2007. The organization's home page is SphinxMusic.org, which sets out its mission: “Sphinx envisions a world in which classical music reflects cultural diversity and plays a role in the everyday lives of youth”. This uplifting goal is a powerful invitation for Black and Latino students, and for students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, to enrich their lives with classical music. For children, SphinxKids.org is a collection of interactive resources such as Minorities on Stage, Orchestration Station, String Instrument Gallery, Music Match – Composers, and Music Match – Instruments.

Recognition has come in many forms, such as: 2006 Newsweek Giving Back Award; 2005 MacArthur Fellowship or “Genius Grant”; 2005 National Governors Award; 2003 Michigan Governor's Award; and selection as 2003 Michiganian of the Year, by The Detroit News.

Dworkin has served on the Boards of Directors of the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, ArtServe Michigan, Walnut Hill School, and WRCJ-FM Public Radio in Detroit. He has been a speaker on the topic of diversity in the arts at national conferences of the American Symphony Orchestra League, Suzuki Association, Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and National Association of Negro Musicians.

Aaron's personal website, EthnoVibe.com, includes this observation: “As a musician and a writer, I have experienced the power that the arts possess to bridge racial and cultural divides and touch a mosaic of people from differing backgrounds and communities."

Radio host Dick Gordon interviewed him in detail on the American Public Media program The Story, Feb. 16, 2007. The 50-minute broadcast Music for All is an intimate conversation which includes excerpts of classical works of William Grant Still, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Joseph Haydn. It is still available in the program archives. Among the most recent press coverage is a video clip of Aaron speaking at Chatauqua on Aug. 22, 2007, on the topic: “Music: Heart, Soul and Dollar”.

“The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall” will be presented on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007 by JPMorgan Chase, featuring the nation's top young Black and Latino string players. Music critic Anthony Tommasini reviewed last year's concert at Carnegie Hall in The New York Times, Oct. 27, 2006:

“The concert at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday evening offered typical fare: a string chamber orchestra playing works by Mozart, Villa-Lobos and others. But the audience, far from the typical classical music crowd, was overwhelmingly black and Latino, and most were children. Onstage as well, all the players were young black and Latino musicians. It was a sight you rarely encounter at Carnegie Hall.”

It is also a sight made possible by the vision and leadership of the Founder/President of the Sphinx Organization. Happy Birthday, Aaron!

Black and Latino String Players at Carnegie Hall

The life and career of the violinist Aaron P. Dworkin have been honored for several years at his page at AfriClassical.com,
http://chevalierdesaintgeorges.homestead.com/Dworkin.html

Aaron Dworkin was born to White and Black parents and was adopted by a White couple in New York City at the age of two weeks. He began playing the violin at age five. When Aaron was 10, the family moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, which had only one Black family. Racism made life difficult for him there. He graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, and received his Bachelors of Music and Masters of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan.

Dworkin is Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, which held its 10th Annual Sphinx Competition for Black and Latino string players in Ann Arbor and Detroit earlier this year. Last year, The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra gave a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. Anthony Tommasini reviewed the concert in The New York Times, Oct. 27, 2006:

The concert at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday evening offered typical fare: a string chamber orchestra playing works by Mozart, Villa-Lobos and others. But the audience, far from the typical classical music crowd, was overwhelmingly black and Latino, and most were children. Onstage as well, all the players were young black and Latino musicians. It was a sight you rarely encounter at Carnegie Hall. ... In addition, Sphinx runs a successful competition for string players, also supported by JPMorgan Chase. Every member of the 20-piece Sphinx Chamber Orchestra that performed on this occasion, as well as each impressive soloist, was a past or current prizewinner.

On the heels of its sell-out success in 2006, the Sphinx Organization has proudly announced the Sphinx Laureates Concert at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 6 p.m.:

Sphinx Returns to Carnegie Hall

The Sphinx Organization, celebrating 10 years of building diversity in classical music, is excited to return to Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, September 25th, 2007. The Sphinx Laureates concert will feature the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra comprised of top alumni of the Sphinx Competition under the direction of Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, as well as the Harlem Quartet and top Laureates performing as soloists. Inspired by Sphinx’s artistic mission, the program will offer standard repertoire along with masterpieces by Black and Latino composers. The significance and value of this performance is immeasurable as it represents not only the incredible performance opportunity for young musicians, but also, a strong impact on diverse audiences by exposing them to the highest level of artistry reflected within the minority community. JPMorgan Chase has given more than $100 million through grants and sponsorships to thousands of not-for-profit organizations around the world, including the Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Support for the Sphinx Organization is given through the Community Life program, which emphasizes offering a culturally rich life for residents in order to create communities where people want to live and work. JPMorgan Chase’s long-standing support of community arts and culture includes arts giving, civic enhancement and programs that address cultural enrichment and diversity. The mission of the Sphinx Organization is to increase the participation of Blacks and Latinos in music schools as professional musicians, as classical music audiences, and to administer youth development initiatives in underserved communities through music education. Sphinx works to address this mission through five main program areas: ARTIST DEVELOPMENT (highlights the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players and the Sphinx Symphony, along with a series of scholarship initiatives) SPHINX PREPARATORY MUSIC INSTITUTE at Wayne State University (provides Detroit area youths with yearlong classes in performance, music theory/ear training and music history). Overture Division of Sphinx Prep provides free instruments and group and individual violin lessons to young people in Detroit and Flint, MI) SPHINX PERFORMANCE ACADEMY at Walnut Hill School (offers intensive summer training to aspiring Black and Latino musicians who lack access to quality music education) SPHINX CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS (helps teachers implement music education in their in-class curriculum) SPHINX PRESENTS! (offers professional performance and exposure opportunities to Sphinx solo artists and ensembles including the Harlem Quartet, New York school residencies and highlighting the Sphinx Artist Series at Carnegie Hall)

Sphinx Organization www.sphinxmusic.org info@sphinxmusic.org 646-429-1987 x710