2024 - 2025 Program

American Form/s

SCOTT JOPLIN: Overture from Treemonisha (Arr. by Jannina Norpoth)†

SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Selections from Four Novelletten Op. 52
                  I. Allegro Moderato
                  III. Valse,  Andante con Moto

DERRICK SKYE: American Mirror: Part One**
CURTIS STEWART: Drill for Prepared Drumset and Strings*

JUANTIO BECENTI: Hané (Story)**

TERESA CARREÑO: Serenade for Strings
                  Finale, Tempo di Marcia

LEVI TAYLOR: Daydreaming (A Fantasy on Scott Joplin)*‡                

Featuring Josh Jones, percussion

American Form/s is a musical tapestry depicting the many sounds of American classical music. Vibrant, varied, storied, and new, the self-conducted string orchestra Sphinx Virtuosi takes audiences on a journey through classically-framed infusions of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and elements of rag. Works range from reimaginings of Joplin's joyous landscapes to the complex rhythms of Curtis Stewart and brilliant influences of immigrant composers like Teresa Carreño. Experience the intricate harmonies and world influences of Derrick Skye's writing, as well as modern interpretations of soul-stirring spirituals and more in this program carefully and collaboratively curated to celebrate the richness of the American musical landscape.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Josh Jones started hitting things at age 2 and received his first drum set at age 3. Josh began his formal studies in percussion with the Percussion Scholarship Program under the direction of Chicago Symphony member Patricia Dash, and Chicago Lyric Opera member Douglas Waddell. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music from DePaul School of music and was the orchestra fellow of both the Detroit and Pittsburgh symphonies. In 2022, Josh joined the Grant Park Festival Orchestra as Principal Percussionist. Josh has been featured at Carnegie Hall, on radio and television, and has had two short documentaries made about his musical development and experience. He also authored a percussion method book series, “Spatial Studies for Hitting Things”, and writes musical and philosophical blogs on his website, drummojo.com. Josh really enjoys giving back to the community as well as mentoring young musicians and traveling.

* - Commissioned by The Sphinx Organization
** - Arranged for Sphinx Virtuosi by the composer
† - From Treemonisha A Musical Reimagining commissioned by Volcano Theatre Libretto Leah-Simone Bowen, Cheryl A. Davis; Co-arranger/orchestrators Jessie Montgomery & Jannina Norpoth. String orchestra version commissioned by The Sphinx Organization for Sphinx Virtuosi
‡ - Daydreaming (A Fantasy on Scott Joplin) was commissioned with a gift from the Keith and Renata Ward Emerging Composer Fund.