Sphinx Virtuosi: American Form/s

• Britton-René Collins, percussion

Levi Taylor — Daydreaming (A Fantasy on Scott Joplin)
Scott Joplin — Overture to Treemonisha (arr. Jannina Norpoth & Jessie Montgomery)
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor — Four Novelletten for String Orchestra, Op. 52
Juantio Becenti — Hané for String Quartet
Teresa Carreño — Serenade for String Orchestra ("IV. Tempo di Marcia")
Derrick Skye — American Mirror for String Quartet, Part One (arr. for string orchestra)
Curtis Stewart — Drill

The vibrant self-conducted string orchestra Sphinx Virtuosi returns. Comprised of 18 accomplished Black and Latinx artists, Sphinx Virtuosi seeks to evolve and transform the face of classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement. Heralded for its kaleidoscopically varied repertoire, the group brings another bold thematic program, featuring emerging percussion soloist Britton-René Collins. Sphinx Virtuosi is the flagship performing entity of the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts and centered in the artistry of composers and artistic visionaries of color.

About Sphinx Virtuosi

The Sphinx Virtuosi is a dynamic and inspiring professional self-conducted chamber orchestra and serves as the flagship performing entity of the Sphinx Organization—the leading social justice non profit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Comprised of 18 accomplished Black and Latinx artists, a critical aim of the Sphinx Virtuosi is to evolve and transform the face of classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement. Its members serve as cultural and diversity ambassadors for audiences and communities around the United States and abroad.

Frequently selling out venues, the ensemble has garnered effusive accolades including from The New York Times that has described the group as "…top-notch…more essential at this moment than ever…a vibrant, assured performance…"; and The Washington Post that wrote "true to their name, the Sphinx Virtuosi call up the vision of an iconic mythological feline with its immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty."

Since 2004, the Sphinx Virtuosi's concerts have been presented by the leading arts organizations, including annual return visits to Carnegie Hall as an established highlight of the fall season.

Their debut album, Songs for Our Times, was released on Deutsche Grammophon in July 2023 and represents the rich history of the Sphinx Organization and the vibrant future of classical music by centering the artistry of extraordinary composers and artistic visionaries of color.

https://www.sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-virtuosi/

About Washington Performing Arts (D.C.)

https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/

About Britton-René Collins, percussion

Hailed as an "Astounding Virtuoso" and "Exhilarating" performer, percussionist Britton-René Collins is a winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, receiving the Ambassador Prize for exceptional musicianship and demonstrating an active passion for creating social change through her music.

https://brittonrene.com/