Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour

Initially, I was a little concerned about joining the orchestra half-way through the tour. Not only had I missed the first rehearsals, but I had missed a lot of the bonding experiences that often times take place in the beginning. But as I've found throughout the past week of this tour, there is really no definite beginning or ending to the friendships that evolve at Sphinx. Old friendships ignite immediately as if no time had ever passed, and new friendships emerge as if they had always existed.

The first concert I played in was slightly ethereal to me. I felt so privileged to be able to share a stage with such talented, dedicated musicians. As a music school drop-out and aspiring pediatrician, my relationship with music is still in the process of redefining itself. I am thrilled to find that my fellow Sphinx members are supportive of my transition from music to medicine, yet inspiring enough to keep me hooked on music! This has not always been the case in other situations.

So, I think that my favorite piece on our program would have to be the Abels, followed closely by the Piazzolla and Gavilan. In addition to the fresh and innovative composition of these pieces, the soloists are just phenomenal!

Bus rides have been as pleasant as bus rides can be. I've had a good mixture of letter-writing, introspection, M&M-eating, movie-watching, conversing, health department work, and Sudoku. Fairly productive, really! Not to mention, some of the sights in the Northeast have been absolutely breathtaking.

Yoga has been a real treat! Taking an hour out in the day for focus and relaxation is exactly what I've been needing. Thanks, Kaila! Speaking of treats, our hosts have been so great to us! Eastman and Rockefeller even fed us lunch, which was greatly appreciated. We are all grateful for your hospitality.

Okay, so I promised to put pictures I've taken in this post, but I think I will just put one or two up for now. The rest will come in a picture post later on.

- Vivian

Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York

Greetings ALL!!!

We have just completed our 8th concert on our 13 city tour. For this particular concert at Eastman, I had the pleasure of sitting in the audience and listening to SCO, and actually feel the energy from the audience. The aura in the room was truly amazing and is a feeling that I will never forget. I had the honor of sitting in front of an elder couple who was unaware that I was affiliated with Sphinx. This couple proceeded to comment on every detail after every piece of music, singing nothing but praises. Comments such as "This orchestra is one of the most exciting orchestras I've ever seen", "Oh my, they are just so beautiful", "Are you sure they aren't all professional musicians", and several other comments as well. It was great to hear.

Today, we are off to NYC. This ride should be easy in comparison to our 14-hour drive from Greensboro, NC to Rochester, NY. I look forward to another great performance.

Stay tuned.

Sunday's concert in Detroit, co-presented by University Musical Society (UMS) & the Detroit Symphony, was awesome! Below are a few photos taken by Ken Fischer, President of UMS, Sphinx Board member, and longtime supporter of Sphinx:

SCO on stage

Melissa White & Elena Urioste perform their rendition of the National Anthem

SCO members meet the audience

More Photos Here!