Page 300 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

“We are very pleased to present this concert as part of our ongoing effort to
highlight performers and composers from underrepresented communities.

Our organization is committed to celebrating diversity in classical music.
Beyond that, our longstanding mission is to present the very best musicians in
the world for the enjoyment of local audiences. This inspiring ensemble fits the
bill on both counts,” said CAMA President Mark Trueblood.

The March 15 performance will include four works commissioned by Sphinx
Virtuosi: Quenton Blache’s Habari Gani, Javier Farias’ Abran Paso, Andrea
Casarrubios’ Herencia, and Xavier Foley’s Concertante for 2 Double Basses
and String Orchestra, “Galaxy.” Messrs. Blache (cello) and Foley (double bass)
are members of Sphinx Virtuosi, and the latter will serve as one of the featured
soloists when his composition is performed. The program will also feature
“Dona Nobis Pacem” and “Exultate” from Sonata da Chiesa by Adolphus

Cunningham Hailstork, and Sinfonietta No. 2, “Generations,” by the
late Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson.

“We are thrilled to spotlight these composers who are either emerging talents
or have not yet received due recognition,” said Mr. Trueblood. “This is a
groundbreaking concert for CAMA in that it will feature four new works by
different composers, two of whom will perform with the orchestra. This is a rare
opportunity to take in new music interpreted by living composer-musicians,
who themselves mirror the communities represented onstage. It will be a

special evening!”

Founded in 1997 in Detroit, the Sphinx Virtuosi serves as the flagship
performing entity of the Sphinx Organization – the leading social justice
nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the
arts. Consisting primarily of accomplished Black and Latinx artists, the
ensemble aims to transform classical music through artistic excellence,
pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement.
Heralded for its kaleidoscopically varied repertoire and bold thematic

programming, Sphinx Virtuosi champions the work of historically excluded
composers and commissions new works annually. The ensemble has
collaborated with major artists such as Terence Blanchard, Denyce Graves,
Damien Sneed, Will Liverman, and Davóne Tines, among others. Members
have performed as soloists with major American orchestras, including the New
York Philharmonic and the Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle,

and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras. Outside of the classical realm, its
musicians have also worked with leading International Artists such as Beyoncé
and Jay-Z. Writing in The Washington Post, critic Cecelia H. Porter declared,