New York Times: 'Rite of Strings, for Black and Latino Youth'

New York Times 

Music Review: 'Rite of Strings, for Black and Latino Youth'
By VIVIEN SCHWEITZER

Published: October 22, 2008
During a concert by the Sphinx Laureates on Tuesday evening, a girl sitting in a row of children behind me at Carnegie Hall wondered aloud why performers always exit the stage between bows. The formal traditions of classical concerts sometimes surprise newcomers. What may have surprised veterans, on the other hand, was seeing so many minority children and teenagers in the audience, and that kind of presence is something the Sphinx Organization — a nonprofit group dedicated to increasing the presence of blacks and Latinos in classical music as performers, composers and audience members — wants to encourage. Sphinx, founded in 1996, offers an annual competition for black and Latino string players, and laureates perform in the excellent Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, now midway through its inaugural national tour. Chelsea Tipton II, resident conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, led a diverse program of works for strings on Tuesday, opening with the Fugue from Villa-Lobos’s “Bachiana Brasileira” No. 9.

The violinist Elena Urioste, the 2007 winner of the Sphinx Competition senior division, offered a passionate, virtuosic rendition of the “Ballade” from Ysaÿe’s Sonata No. 3 for solo violin. She also performed the solo part in the Ponce-Heifetz “Estrellita,” played here in a languid arrangement for violin and string orchestra by Geoffrey McDonald. The concert, presented by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, also included a lively rendition of the jazzy “Alla Burletta” from Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s “Generations” Sinfonietta and an elegant performance of George Walker’s romantic “Lyric for Strings.” The Harlem Quartet, consisting entirely of first-place laureates of the Sphinx Competition, was joined by the guest artist Paul Katz, the former cellist of the Cleveland Quartet, for the first movement of Schubert’s String Quintet in C.

In a video presentation about the organization’s goals, Melissa White — the second violinist of the Harlem Quartet, a Sphinx laureate and a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia — discussed the isolation she felt growing up and encountering so few black and Latino classical musicians. The violinist Aaron P. Dworkin, Sphinx’s founder and president, said from the stage that as a biracial classical musician he had also experienced isolation, and that classical music would benefit from the involvement of a wider section of society. The program also included the presentation of a new prize created in honor of the violinist Isaac Stern, which the organization hopes will be awarded annually to one particularly gifted Sphinx musician. The inaugural recipient was the violinist Clayton Penrose-Whitmore, 15, who demonstrated his skills during a buoyant performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto in B minor for Four Violins, which concluded the concert. [Sphinx President Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) and Composer George Walker (b. 1922) are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Sphinx Brings Message of Diversity to Carnegie Hall

PR.com

The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall presented by Chase--October 21.

New York, NY, September 27, 2008 -- The Sphinx Organization, the national organization dedicated to building diversity in classical music, will return to Carnegie Hall for a performance on October 21. The concert will feature the acclaimed Sphinx Chamber Orchestra and the Harlem Quartet. The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall is presented with generous support from Chase.

The concert at Carnegie Hall is just one performance on the orchestra’s first national tour. The tour will take the orchestra to eight cities from the Midwest to New England.

The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra will take the stage at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00. Tickets are $20, and available through the Carnegie Hall Box Office at (212) 247-7800 or www.CarnegieHall.org. VIP and Box Seat tickets are available through Sphinx by calling (646) 429-1987 ext 713.

The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra comprises top alumni of the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. Conductor Chelsea Tipton II will lead the orchestra. Tipton is Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. He has also appeared as a guest conductor with the Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, and New World Symphony Orchestras and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

The Harlem Quartet, comprising first-place Laureates of the Sphinx Competition, has a unique and challenging mission: to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire, highlighting works by minority composers. The Quartet has performed around the country, including three performances at Carnegie Hall.

Inspired by Sphinx’s artistic mission, the concert will offer standard repertoire along with masterpieces by Black and Latino composers. Pieces by Schubert, George Walker, Vivaldi, Villa-Lobos, and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson will be featured.

“Ten years ago, I could only dream about an orchestra of Black and Latino musicians touring the country, said Aaron Dworkin, Founder and President of Sphinx. “This year, that dream becomes a reality. The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra is part of the new face of classical music that will shape the way young people connect with classical music.” Dworkin founded Sphinx in 1996 while a student at the University of Michigan. His work with the organization has been recognized around the world. In 2005, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for his pioneering work. [Full Post]

Tickets Still Available For Sphinx Laureates in Concert at Carnegie Hall October 21

[Maestro Chelsea Tipton II Conducting At A Sphinx Concert]

On August 4, 2008 AfriClassical posted: “Tickets On Sale August 21 For Sphinx Laureates At Carnegie Hall”. The Sphinx Organization has released this reminder: Tickets Sold Out in 2007! Don't Miss This Unique Event! Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 6:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Featuring the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, Harlem Quartet and solo performances by Laureates of the prestigious Sphinx Competition for young Black & Latino string players; Maestro Chelsea Tipton II. Tickets only $20, 212-247-7800 or http://www.carnegiehall.org Discounted tickets available for groups of 10 or more; call 212-903-9705. Sphinx Organization http://www.sphinxmusic.org info@sphinxmusic.org 646-429-1987 x710 [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is an African American violinist who is Founder/President of the Sphinx Organization. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Harlem Quartet Debuts "Delights and Dances" by Michael Abels at Sphinx Laureates Concert

The Sphinx Laureates Concert at Carnegie Hall on Sept. 25, 2007 will feature the Harlem Quartet's premiere of Delights and Dances, a work by Michael Abels which was commissioned by the Sphinx Organization to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary as well as its dedication to promoting the works of Black and Latino composers. Called “A genuine rising star” by ClassicsToday.com, Michael Abels is an African American composer and music educator who caught the attention of many in the field of classical music with his 1990 composition Global Warming. He is also Music Director of New Roads School in the Los Angeles area. His website, www.MichaelAbels.com, lists his compositions and illustrates his educational, athletic, and outreach activities.

Dominique-René de Lerma, Professor of Music at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, wrote the liner notes for African Heritage Symphonic Series, Vol. III, which opens with Global Warming (8:18). The work is performed by the Chicago Sinfonietta, conducted by its Founder and Musical Director, Paul Freeman, on Cedille Records 90000 066 (2002).

“Michael Abels was born in 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also attended grammar school. He spent his youngest years, however, in rural South Dakota and began studying piano there at an early age. A graduate of the University of Southern California, he studied composition with James Hopkins and Robert Linn and was named Outstanding Senior among student composers for his “Queries” for piano and prepared piano. In 1985-86, Abels studied West African music with Alfred Ladzekpo at the California Institute for the Arts. Abels remains a resident of Los Angeles.

Abels wrote Global Warming in 1990, not long after the Berlin Wall fell. It attracted international attention when it was featured at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's 1992 African-American Symphony Composers Forum and has enjoyed more than 100 performances since its debut. Most notable, Global Warming became the first piece by a Black composer to enter the repertory of the National Symphony of South Africa.
...
Among Abels's other works is Tribute (2001), a short orchestral memorial to the events of September 11. He has also written works for chorus, two operas, and other compositions for orchestra, many created on commission. His output manifests an interest in sports (he is a triathlete) and his dedication to outreach projects, with particular concern for social welfare and for young people. Abels ascribes to the philosophy of many contemporary artists of color who see international implications inherent in their ethnic heritage.”

A press release from New Roads School on Sept. 13, 2007 explains the origin of the composition and provides an overview of the composer's activities as a music educator:

"Michael was chosen for the commission because he is one of the leading African-American composers working today," said Sphinx Organization President Aaron Dworkin. “As Sphinx presents the most talented musicians from around the country, Michael’s work represents the height of artistic excellence. We could think of no better composer with whom to partner.”

In addition to his work as a composer, Abels runs the Music Program for New Roads School, one of L.A.'s most exciting, independent K-12 college preparatory schools. New Roads offers its diverse student body a challenging academic environment that promotes personal responsibility, community engagement and global awareness.

"Through his work at New Roads and his personal experience teaching music production to LA youth in public housing projects, Michael is a role model for the 21st Century," said Head of New Roads School, David Bryan. "His work underscores the importance of individualized, independent education in the arts, within a well-rounded academic environment that inspires social responsibility."

"Delights and Dances" is Mr. Abels's first commission with Sphinx. His works have been performed by orchestras throughout the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. He is currently writing another commission for Sphinx, scheduled to premiere on PBS in February 2009.

Chelsea Tipton II Conducts Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall

(Photo by Matt H., Jay K. Hoffman & Associates, Inc.)

Maestro Chelsea Tipton II is Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. His prior positions and his prolific work as a guest conductor have given him considerable exposure to leading U.S. orchestras. His agent, Jay K. Hoffman & Associates, Inc., elaborates at its website:

“As a sought-after guest conductor, Tipton has appeared with major orchestras in the United States, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the New World Symphony Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, among others.”

The agent explains that Tipton prepared himself for careers in both conducting and clarinet performance:

"Tipton earned a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music, with additional studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine."

As a clarinet player, Chelsea Tipton II performed with numerous major orchestras and virtuoso instrumentalists, and recorded for three record labels. He has taught at Central Michigan University as an Assistant Professor, and was also Director of the Central Michigan University Band. Tipton has also been a Visiting Professor in clarinet and chamber music at Western Michigan University. His bio continues:

"Prior to his appointment with the Toledo Symphony, Tipton was Associate Conductor with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra for four seasons and Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra for three seasons."

As noted on this blog on July 28, 2007, in a post entitled “Black and Latino String Players at Carnegie Hall”, Chelsea Tipton II is the conductor for the “Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall”, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007 in the Stern Auditorium. An Afterglow will be held in the Rohatyn Room & Shorin Club at Carnegie Hall. The Sphinx Organization summarizes the evening's performers and repertoire:

“The concert will feature the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, comprised of top alumni of the prestigious Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players, under the direction of Maestro Chelsea Tipton II. Top Sphinx Competition Laureates will be performing as soloists, and the Harlem Quartet will also perform. Inspired by Sphinx’s artistic mission of building diversity in classical music, the program will offer standard repertoire along with masterpieces by Black and Latino composers.”

Sphinx Laureate Plays Cello on "From the Top" Classical Music Radio Show

The website of SphinxMusic.org explains the organization's partnership with Public Radio International:

"From The Top radio show is created by Concert Productions, Inc. in association with WGBH Radio Boston and New England Conservatory of Music, and distributed by Public Radio International. This interactive program features world renowned pianist (and a member of the Sphinx Honorary Committee) Christopher O'Riley as the host, interviewing young musicians as well as collaborating with them on stage. As our artistic partner, each year From The Top features our 3 Junior Division Laureates in shows taped across the country."

This week's broadcast of "From the Top" features the 14-year-old cellist Gabriel Cabezas, a 2006 Sphinx Laureate. The program was first aired on May 2, 2007, and will remain available for online listening in the archives of "From the Top". Gabriel Cabezas plays the Andante from Sergei Rachmaninoff's Cello Concerto on the program. The NPR website quotes the young cellist on his recent performance opportunities:

"I've played with the Florida Symphony and New World Symphony, and I was also able to play with the Cleveland Orchestra a few months ago. Now that was an intimidating experience!"

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