Vol. 16, No. 1

The Quarter NoteWinter 2015

qAaron P. Dworkin Founder

The 18th annual Sphinx Competition, presented by

the DTE Energy Foundation, welcomes 18 of the nation’s top young Black and Latino string players. In partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the competition will take place in Detroit, MI from January 28 - February 1, 2015.

The semi-finalists are divided into two divisions based on age. The junior division of the competition culminates in the Honors Concert, which will be held on Friday, January 30 and the senior division Finals concert will be held on Sunday, February 1. Both

concerts will be streamed live via the Sphinx website, and the Finals concert will be recorded for national broadcast on PBS stations, including Detroit Public Television.

The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble of professional musicians from around the country, will be led by Guest Conductor Maestro Andrew Grams. Cristina Pato will join the orchestra during the Finals concert as the Guest soloist. Cristina is the first female Galician bagpiper to record a solo album in Spain and has released four albums.

Semi-Finalists Announced in 18th Annual Sphinx Competition

with Top Prize of $50,000

Kevonna Shuford, 17, violaDreyfoos School of the ArtsTeacher: Laurice Buckton

Nicholas Arredondo, 16, bassThe Colburn AcademyTeacher: Peter Lloyd

Eileen Moudou, 15, violinRichard Montgomery ES

Teacher: Lya Stern

Maria Sanderson, 15, violinHomeschooled

Teacher: Mimi Zweig

Shania Watts, 14, violaHome School (Washington

Virtual Academy)Teacher: Brian Quincey

Mira Williams, 16, violaHomeschooled

Teacher: Roland Vamos

Hannah White, 14, violinMusic Institute of Chicago-Academy

Teachers: Almita Vamos

Michael Casimir, 23, violaJuilliard; Teacher: Heidi Castleman/Misha Amory

Roberto Arundale, 24, celloCleveland Institute of Music

Teacher: Stephen Geber

Ricardo Hamaury Gomez, 25, violin; Baylor University

Teacher: Bruce Berg

Juan-Salvador Carrasco, 20,cello; Northwestern UniversityTeachers: Hans Jorgen Jensen

Eduardo Rios, 19, violinThe Colburn School of Music

Teacher: Robert Lipsett

Josué Valdepeñas, 23, celloThe Colburn School of MusicTeacher: Clive Greensmith

Santiago Cañón-Valencia, 19, cello; Southern Methodist Univer-

sity; Teacher: Andres Diaz

Aaron Olguin, 20, bassUniversity of North TexasTeacher: Jeff Bradetich

Samuel Nebyu, 21, violinBoyer College, Temple University

Teacher: Eduard Schmieder

Annelle Gregory, 19, violinUSC Thornton School of Music

Teacher: Glenn Dicterow

Myrtil Mitanga,19, celloNorthwestern University

Teacher: Hans Jorgen Jensen

Presented by

Reserve Your Tickets Today!

Save the dates for the18th Annual Sphinx Competition

Honors Concert and Finals Concertat the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

Visit SphinxMusic.org/competition for more information.

Senior Division Finals Concert

Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM

Tickets $10-$25

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Junior Division Honors ConcertFriday, January 30, 2015 at NoonFREE

Aaron P. Dworkin Founder

Editor: Therese GoussyContributors: Andre Dowell, Aaron Dworkin, Xavier VernaDesign & Layout: Julie Renfro

Honorary CommitteeBranford Marsalis, ChairGlenn DicterowDavid FinckelNikki GiovanniWu HanIda KavafianAni KavafianNigel KennedyJaime LaredoTania LeonYo-Yo E. MaMark O’ConnorChristopher O’RileyItzhak PerlmanToby PerlmanAndré PrevinAwadagin PrattBright ShengLeonard SlatkinNadja Salerno-SonnenbergArnold SteinhardtMichael Tilson ThomasGeorge WalkerJeffrey Zeigler

Board of DirectorsWilliam H. Carson, ChairAnne L. Taylor, Vice ChairAnthony Glover, TreasurerDeidre Lambert-Bounds, SecretaryRachel Barton PineMartha DarlingAaron P. DworkinKenneth FischerMaxine FrankelPatricia GarciaSandra GibsonLinda GillumNorman HerbertCarl HersteinHoward HertzAndrea HoffmanMarianne LockwoodMajorie PearsallVivian PickardSally Stegeman DiCarloKathy WeaverBeverly WillisShaun Wilson

© 2015 Sphinx Organization400 Renaissance Center, Ste 2550Detroit, MI 48243 313-877-9100info@SphinxMusic.orgwww.SphinxMusic.org

Special Artistic AdvisorYo-Yo Ma

Sphinx CompetitionPresenter

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Stella & Frederick LoebCharitable Trust

ADMINISTERED BY

www.53.com

I am

Sphinx Virtuosi member Francisco Vila brought music to the skies, playing his cello on a flight while a flight attendant accompanied him by beat-boxing.

“ Sphinx promotes just what I’m looking for. It sets the ground for building new relationships, fosters growth and looks forward to change. Our art is in good hands.”

Aaron P. Dworkin Founder

PRESIDENT’S NOTEDear Friends,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying a safe, happy season. This winter, Sphinx wraps up a successful year of enhancing existing programs and innovating and implementing new ones as we strive toward our mission of transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. As we reflect on our progress, we must also look back on the progress that has been made in the field throughout the past year.

One year ago, in this newsletter, I lamented the state of diversity in major American orchestras. I regrettably shared that Blacks and Latinos represent only about 4% of American orchestras, and I was disheartened to see those orchestras doing little or nothing to make a change.

One year later, I am happy to report that positive progress is being made. This year, ten orchestras reached out Sphinx to inform our constituencies of upcoming auditions and to request potential qualified candidates - something that had never before happened in Sphinx’s history. This May,

clarinetist and Sphinx alumnus Anthony McGill became the New York Philharmonic’s first African-American principal player, and the third African-American member in the history of the orchestra. Other Sphinx alumni joined orchestras including the Seattle Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, and the Phoenix Symphony. In addition, several orchestras engaged Sphinx in discussions of initiating partnerships to impact their inclusion. The League of American Orchestras Board of Directors now has an active Diversity Task Force that is engaged in determining how issues of inclusion can be incorporated into the League’s strategic planning, and they have repeatedly reached out to Sphinx to identify candidates for their orchestral management training.

Though these steps are incredibly encouraging, there is still much work to be done. Through our programs, our national and international partnerships, and through your support and advocacy, I look forward to seeing the strides that we can make in the field.

Have a wonderful season and take care,

- Aaron

Give the gift of musicthis holiday season!

eY

Students enjoy a performance by the Sphinx Virtuosi. Photo: Kimberly Warner.

What will your support accomplish?

$25 Supports a free violin lesson$50 Provides sheet music for 5 students$100 Brings Sphinx Virtuosi to a school$275 Provides 2 students with violins$500 Helps bring a student to our summer program$1,100 Supports a Sphinx Symphony artist$2,000 Supports a Sphinx Symphony principal chair$5,000 Supports a Sphinx Symphony section

To give today, please see enclosed giving envelope, visit SphinxMusic.org/donate, or contact

Therese Goussy at Therese@SphinxMusic.org or 734-255-7623

r

SPHINX NEWSGrantmakers in the Arts 2014 Conference

Sphinx Founder and President Aaron Dworkin organized and moderated a GIA 2014 Conference session entitled “Strategies to Increase Equity in Grantmaking & Empowerment,” presented by Maurine Knighton, Senior Vice President, Grantmaking, Nathan Cummings Foundation; Justin Laing, Senior Program Officer, The Heinz Endowments; and Roberta Uno, Senior Program Officer, Ford Foundation.

n Re-examine the intersection of arts and culture through the lens of today’s demographics. n Perform research that raises questions of equity and widely share that information in the community. n Think about any interaction with a grant-seeker as an opportunity for mutual learning exchange.

Please visit Sphinx’s facebook page for a complete list of the 23 discussed strategies/best practices to increase equity in grantmaking!

Johnnia Stigall, former Sphinx Competition and SphinxCon liaison, was hired at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as Education Program Coordinator.

2013 Sphinx Competition junior division semifinalist Bradley Reed Parrimore participated in HBO’s Joshua Bell: YoungArts Masterclass.

Sphinx Laureates Melissa White and Tony Rymer are serving as Sphinx 2014 Global Scholars! Through partnerships with London Music Masters, they will engage in outreach performances, as well as the Class, Race and Classical Music discussion forum. Esperanz’Arts in France will host collaborative performances and outreach. European Youth Orchestra partnership will facilitate an artist exchange, where their members will perform as part of the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, with Sphinx alumni traveling for the exchange component in 2015!

Sphinx Founder and President Aaron Dworkin has been selected and will be featured in Musical America’s December 2014 Special Report, “Profiles in Courage.” This year’s featured individuals are those who have taken risks, stepped up for a cause, and spoken out where others have remained silent.

Send us your news and performance updates: QuarterNote@SphinxMusic.org

Become a Musical Chairs Sponsor Today!The Sphinx Musical Chairs program supports the extraordinary artists of the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra through the naming of a chair. These musicians serve as mentors to the Sphinx Competition finalists and perform works by Black and Latino composers in the Finals concert. Musical Chairs sponsors help Sphinx bring these talented professionals to the Sphinx Competition and support them throughout the competition.

Support at the $1,100 level ($900 tax-deductible) or more provides the following benefits:u Named Section Chair in the Orchestrau Admission for Two to the Musical Chairs Luncheon, occurring immediately prior to the Finals Concertu Two Box Seat tickets for the Sphinx Competition Finals Concert and Reception, taking place Sunday, February 1st at 2 PMu Two general admission tickets to the Sphinx Competition Finals Concertu Admission for Two to the Sphinx Competition Honors Concert, Friday, January 30th at noonu Recognition in Sphinx Competition program, website and annual report

Support at the $2,000 level ($1,800 tax-deductible) provides all the above listed benefits, and the naming of a Principal Chair in the Orchestra.

Support at the $5,000 level ($4,400 tax-deductible) sponsors an entire section of the orchestra and provides all the above benefits, including 4 additional Box Seat tickets to the Finals Concert and a program signed by the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.

Sponsoring a Musical Chair not only transforms the life of the orchestra member you sponsor, but also each of the finalists whose competition experience will be enriched by the mentorship they receive from these artists, as well as the audience members who will experience and be inspired by their performances.

For more information or to become a Musical Chairs sponsor today, please contact our Manager of Communications, Therese Goussy, at Therese@SphinxMusic.org or 313-877-9100 x713, or feel free to use the enclosed giving envelope with Musical Chairs support levels listed.

The 2014 Sphinx Symphony performs at Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI. Photo: Glenn Triest

With Generous Support from:

Powered by

*Founding PartnersAlliance for Inclusion in the ArtsAmericans for the ArtsAssociation of Performing Arts Presenters Center for Black Music ResearchChamber Music AmericaChorus AmericaDance USA

Aaron P. Dworkin Founder

Diversity Affluence International Society for the Performing ArtsLeague of American OrchestrasMichigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs National Association of Latino Arts and Culture National Association of Negro MusiciansNational Black Arts Festival

National Guild for Community Arts EducationNational Performance NetworkOpera AmericaSphinx OrganizationTheatre Communications GroupVSA, Kennedy Center

In Partnership with:OfficialHotel Sponsor:

OfficialTechnology Sponsor:

Maysoon ZayidComedian, Writer,

Actress

Jane ChuChairman,

National Endowmentfor the Arts

Faye NelsonVP of Public Affairs,

DTE Energy Foundation

Sunil IyengarDirector of Research

and Analysis,National Endowment

for the Arts

Holly SidfordPresident,

Helicon Collaborative

Jamie BennettExecutive Director,ArtPlace America

Jesse RosenPresident and CEO,*League of American

Orchestras

Christina PatoMusician,

Silk Road Ensemble

Aaron DworkinFounder and President, *Sphinx Organization

Tim DangProducing Artistic

Director,East West Players

Maria Rosario Jackson

Senior Adviser, Arts and Cultural Program,

Kresge Foundation

Rachel S. MooreCEO,

American Ballet Theatre

Francisco NuñezArtistic Director/Founder,Young People’s Chorus of

New York City

Abel LópezAssociate Producing

Director, GALA Hispanic Theatre

INTERVIEWER:Bob Lynch

*Americans for the Arts

RESPONDENTSBob Lynch - President and CEO, *Americans for the Arts Damon Gupton - ActorClayton Lord - VP of Arts Advancement, *Americans for the ArtsTeresa Eyring - Executive Director, *Theatre Communications GroupMaud Lyon - Executive Director, Culture SourceVince Paul - President and Artistic Director, Detroit Music HallAmy Fitterer - Executive Director, *Dance USAJosephine Lee - Artistic Director, Chicago Children’s ChoirSharon Jensen - Executive Director, *Alliance for Inclusion in the ArtsAli McManus - Sphinx Stars Finalist and Singer/SongwriterMelonie Colaianne - President, Masco Corporation FoundationOliver Ragsdale - President and Artistic Director, Carr CenterDr. Herman Gray - President, Children’s Hospital of MichiganGary Anderson - Producing Artistic Director, Plowshares Theatre CompanyVivian Pickard - President, General Motors FoundationDaniel Bernard Roumain - Solo Artist/ViolinistChi-chi Nwanoku, MBE - Prof. of Double Bass Historical Studies, Royal Conservatory of MusicTonya Allen - President and CEO, Skillman FoundationSusan Feder - Program Officer for the Performing Arts, Mellon FoundationMaria Luisa Carrillo - President, Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani IzelPhil Chan - Executive Editor, FLATT MagGeorge Jacobsen - Program Officer, Kresge FoundationShaun Wilson - VP, Director of Client and Community Relations, PNC Financial ServicesMichael Tiknis - President and Managing Director, Harris TheatreCurtis Lipscomb - Executive Director, KICK DetroitEmily Dievendorf - Executive Director, Equality MichiganKarlos Rodriguez - Cellist, Catalyst Quartet

MODERATORGeorge Galster - Professor of Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

FACILITATOREric Booth - Arts Learning Consultant

ARTHUR L. JOHNSONAWARD RECIPIENT

Abel López

PRESENTERS

JAN 30 - FEB 1, 2015DETROIT, MI

REGISTER NOW!www.SphinxCon.org

Leaders discussing solutions to the challenges surrounding diversity in all aspects of the performing arts sector.

Jon ImparatoDirector of Cultural Arts, Los

Angeles LGBT Center

Photo: Brian Surguine

Sphinx Virtuosi Tour Culminates to Rave Reviews The Sphinx Virtuosi, one of the nation’s most dynamic classical ensembles, spent the autumn of 2014 transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts in concert halls, classrooms, and even in the air! The ensemble, which recently completed its 7th national tour, continues to reach new audiences and commission new and historical works. The Sphinx Virtuosi launched the tour with a return to the New World Center in Miami and concluded with a final stop in New York City. This annual performance at the legendary Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall was sold out and earned rave reviews, including one from New York Times critic Anthony Tommasini, who heralded Sphinx Virtuosi as “brilliant,” “excellent,” “rewarding,” and “inventive.”

Through funds provided by the Paul G. Allen Foundation, the ensemble broke new grounds by making debut appearances in the states of Oregon, Montana, and Washington in addition to Indiana and Vermont. Sphinx Virtuosi also made their annual visit to the Harris Theater in Chicago. A reviewer for the Chicago Critic said, “What impressed me most [about] the Sphinx Virtuosi was their vibrant and energetic musicianship that featured their complete skill set. These artists are fantastic talents that have arrived as world-class musicians. After witnessing their talent, their artistic innovations, and their commitment to their craft, I can see that the future of classical music is in good hands with these major talents.” One exciting feature of this tour was young violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery’s new commission titled “Banner,” which The New York Times review described as “urgent” and “inventive.” “Banner” is a rhapsody on the theme of the Star Spangled Banner. Drawing on musical and historical sources from various world anthems and patriotic songs, Montgomery attempted to answer the question: What does an anthem for the 21st century sound like in today’s multi-cultural environment? 2014 Sphinx Competition senior division first place Laureate Xavier Foley was the first bassist to win the Competition and to tour as a soloist with the Sphinx Virtuosi. Tim Corpus of The Chicago Standard wrote, “Foley’s solos were majestic and personable, engaging the audience with incredible command of his instrument.”

The national Sphinx Virtuosi tour is made possible with the generous support of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Art Works, and Aetna. The Sphinx Virtuosi and Catalyst Quartetare exclusively represented in North America by California Artists Management (www.CalArtists.com)

Amina Smith is a participant in Sphinx’s Overture program, which provides violins and lessons to underserved elementary school students in Detroit and Flint, MI. Amina was so inspired by her Overture lessons that she used what she learned to compose an entirely original piece, entitled ‘Second Nature,’ for herself and her class to perform at their end-of-year recital. This kind of creativity and love of the arts is exactly what Sphinx aims to foster in the young musicians who participate in this program. Amina’s teacher, Daniel Winnick, told us, “Amina is a very driven, intelligent and creative person.” In return, Amina says, “Mr. Winnick is like the best teacher ever!”

Sphinx Lessons Inspire Elementary Student to Compose!

Overture students perform during the end of term recital in Flint, MI.

Photo: Nan Melville

Photo: Kimberly Warner

Photo: Daniel Cavazos

Photo: Nan Melville

Photo: Kimberly Warner

Sphinx Founder Named one of Musical America’s30 Top Professionals of the Year

Sphinx is honored to share that our Founder and President Aaron Dworkin has been selected and featured in Musical America’s December 2014 Special Report, “Profiles in Courage.” This year’s selected individuals are those who have taken risks, stepped up for a cause, and spoken out where others have remained silent. The 2014 list features unprecedented diversity and sheds light upon the work of many deserving leaders in music.

In addition to Aaron Dworkin, other Sphinx alumni, key partners and affiliates have been honored. The list of 30 top professionals includes Stanford Thompson, a Sphinx Symphony Orchestra alumnus, Sphinx Medals of Excellence recipient and past SphinxCon presenter; Michael Morgan, a Sphinx Symphony Orchestra Guest Conductor; Wu Han, a Sphinx Honorary Committee member; Karen Zorn of the Longy School of music, one of Sphinx’s key artistic partners; Robert Spano of the Atlanta Symphony, another key artistic partner; and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Susan Feder, who will serve as a respondent at this year’s annual SphinxCon convening, as part of the “Innovation” session on January 31st. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the lead supporter of the Sphinx Virtuosi Tour and a key partner in Sphinx’s work to further diversity and inclusion issues in our field.

400 Renaissance CenterSuite 2550Detroit, MI 48243

Somethingto Ponder:

“We have no hope of solving our problems without harnessing the diversity, the energy, and the creativity of all our people.”

- Roger Wilkins

Aaron P. Dworkin Founder

Sphinx V ir tuos i and Sphinx Competition alum and Harlem Quartet founding member Melissa White took the time to answer some questions from The Quarter Note about her journey as a violinist, her Sphinx experience and her upcoming projects!Quarter Note: How did your journey as a violinist begin? At what point did you know you would make music your career?Melissa White: It was love at first sight. I first laid eyes on a violin when I was four years old while watching Sesame Street. Itzhak Perlman was the guest on this particular show and he was playing his violin for

Grover. I simply liked the way his chin fit perfectly in the chin rest and I thought it looked like the perfect instrument for a person to play. I immediately asked my mom if I could play the violin. She did not give me a firm ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ so I begged for two years. I asked Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and even left a note with my tooth for the Tooth Fairy. Finally when I was six years old, I walked home from school, and on the chair was a little violin!! I knew I wanted to make music my career after my sophomore year of high school. Until then, my mom had been driving me five hours each way from Lansing, MI to Winnetka, IL for my violin lessons with Dr. Roland & Almita Vamos. However, administrative changes at my mom’s workplace that year made it no longer possible for us to make the drive. As a result, I had a very slow year in terms of my musical education and ended up taking the entire second semester off from playing the violin all together. When the school year ended, my mom asked me if I still wanted to play. Her question was jarring and it made me realize that I hadn’t felt complete the whole year without having music as an integral part of my life. I auditioned for Interlochen Arts Academy and received enough scholarship funds to attend their boarding high school for my last two

years. My time at Interlochen was magnificent and it was during that transition that I knew that music would be my career. QN: You’ve performed around the world, in a number of exceptional locations. Is there a particular performance that stands out as especially meaningful or memorable for you?MW: I have been blessed to be able to perform many concerts with sensational artists around the world and truly my entire experience as a violinist has been most memorable!! But, one absolute highlight would be when the Harlem Quartet was invited to perform at the White House in 2009 for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I was so nervous that when the President shook my hand and said, “It’s nice to meet you,” I froze and said “Yes.” I can still see myself in that moment and writing this memory makes me smile and laugh all over again.QN: Your involvement with Sphinx began when you competed in the Sphinx Competition at age 13, and last year, you participated in the Competition as a jury member. What was that experience like for you? MW: The Sphinx Organization has been a major part of my career as a violinist and I’m extremely grateful

Q & A withMelissa White

for the wonderful opportunities they have provided me. I love that I was a competitor in the inaugural competition and that I’ve literally grown up with the Organization. Returning as a juror last year was a brand new experience for me because it was my first time sitting on a jury panel. It was not an easy task to judge the beautiful musicianship we heard; however, it was most inspiring to hear all of the young talent and be a part of the decision making process that would continue helping to change lives through classical music. It was truly an honor to serve as a member of the jury.QN: What projects are you working on now?MW: I am currently on a two-week southern U.S. tour with my full-time group, Harlem Quartet. We’re performing Bartok 2, Mendelssohn Op.80 , Haydn Op.76 No.1 , Chick Corea’s The Adventures of Hippocrates, and other jazz tunes. After Thanksgiving, I immediately fly to Europe for several solo engagements and I’ll be overseas until Christmas. I have recitals in Paris, London, and Wroclaw, Poland; and I will also be performing Bernstein’s Serenade with Piotr Gajewski in Jelenia Gora and Katawice, Poland.

For more information on Melissa, visit SphinxMusic.org/bio-melissa-white.html