Our Vision and Mission:
We transform lives through the power of diversity in the arts.
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What is Sphinx?
The Sphinx Organization is a social justice organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.
Focused on increasing representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music and recognizing excellence, Sphinx programs serve beginner students to seasoned classical music professionals, as well as cultural entrepreneurs and administrators.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, but with nationwide reach, Sphinx envisions a day where the classical music field looks like our communities: where every young person has the opportunity to express themselves and learn classical music; where audiences reflect the people we see on our streets; and where leadership—on stage and off—includes all deserving voices.
How Sphinx Started
Sphinx began in 1997 as a singular initiative: the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latinx string players. The goal of founder, violinist Aaron P. Dworkin, was to identify, empower, and support talented young artists and prepare them for professional careers in classical music.
How Sphinx Grew
Over the past 25 years Sphinx has grown from a single program to a movement that promotes artistic excellence and inclusion across the sector, through the following elements:
year-round tuition-free education and creative youth development
performances and tours of 4 premiere ensembles and a robust roster of soloists
commissioning and performing new works by Black and Latinx composers
administrative leadership, cultural innovation, and entrepreneurship programs
sector-wide partnerships with 300+ organizations to serve the field and bring programming to scale
Sphinx is now led by Afa S. Dworkin, its long-time Artistic Director, who has been with the organization since its inception. Today, the Sphinx team is a collective of vibrant, talented leaders, including 10 full-time staff members, 50+ teaching artists and seasonal teams, and 800+ alumni.
How Sphinx Works
The Sphinx pipeline of talent begins with access at early and intermediate level. Sphinx offers full scholarships for two programs for solo and chamber music performance, wellness, and citizenship:
Sphinx Overture: year-round beginner level instrumental instruction in Detroit and Flint, MI
Overture Summer Camp: Two-week summer music program for Detroit Overture students
Sphinx Performance Academy: National summer intensives for Black and Latinx youth ages 11-17
Empowering emerging young artists by encouraging, developing, and recognizing classical music talent in the Black and Latinx communities:
Sphinx Competition: flagship program for young Black and Latinx string players
Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions: opportunities for Black and Latinx musicians to audition for representatives of orchestras
National Alliance for Audition Support: Alliance with League of American Orchestras, New World Symphony, 106 orchestras and their unions to prioritize preparation, support and placement of Black and Latinx artists into American orchestras to elevate diversity
Professional soloists and ensembles comprised of Black and Latinx artists of the highest caliber brining dynamic programming to diverse audiences:
Sphinx Virtuosi: one of the nation’s most dynamic professional chamber orchestras
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra: the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals from around the country
EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble: professional vocal ensemble highlighting artistry within Black and Latinx communities
Harlem Quartet: professional quartet dedicated to engaging new audiences with diverse repertoire
Catalyst Quartet: professional quartet whose members also serve as principal faculty at Sphinx Performance Academy
Sphinx Soloist Program: showcases top Black and Latinx string players through featured performances with orchestras
Sphinx Global Scholars: initiative that brings Sphinx artists around the globe to engage in teaching, learning, and performing abroad
Mentoring and supporting musicians, leaders, and entrepreneurs through career development and professional empowerment:
SphinxConnect: an annual global convening and the epicenter for artists and leaders in diversity
Sphinx LEAD: Two-year leadership program designed to evolve the industry landscape by empowering the next generation of executive leaders
MPower Artist Grants: competitive scholarships designed to empower Sphinx alumni
Sphinx Medals of Excellence: highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization, recognizing extraordinary classical Black and Latinx musicians and awarding a $50,000 career grant
“Together with our far-reaching community, we are proud to lead the movement that is changing the face of our field and society while building upon social impact for generations to come.”
— Afa S. Dworkin, President and Artistic Director