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20th annual String Festival headlines the Sphinx Virtuosi

March 28, 2025

窪蹋勛圖厙 proudly presents its 20th annual String Festival from Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, featuring the Sphinx Virtuosi.  
 
Founded in 2005 by 窪蹋勛圖厙 Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Michael Emery, the festival offers participating students individualized, non-competitive coaching sessions with renowned string quartets and orchestras and 窪蹋勛圖厙s accomplished string faculty. Emery, who directs 窪蹋勛圖厙s string program, has cultivated a tradition of musical excellence that includes past residencies by acclaimed quartets such as Brentano, Manhattan, American, Ying, Talich, Meccore, Dover, and Pacifica. This years festival is organized by Jameson Platte in collaboration with Emery and 窪蹋勛圖厙 string faculty members Josh Rodriguez and Stephani Emery. 

The 窪蹋勛圖厙 String Ensemble perform on stage, wearing all black

The 窪蹋勛圖厙 String Ensemble, led by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Michael Emery. Photo credit Elle Oestreich 25.


 The Sphinx Virtuosi, a self-conducted chamber orchestra composed of 18 outstanding Black and Latino musicians, serves as the flagship performing ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through the arts. Known for artistic excellence, groundbreaking programming, and meaningful community engagement, the ensemble acts as cultural ambassadors, captivating audiences nationwide and abroad. Aaron Dworkin, founder of the Sphinx Organization, will speak at 窪蹋勛圖厙's Commencement this spring. 
 
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, the Sphinx Virtuosi will headline with their inspiring program at 窪蹋勛圖厙s Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in the Arthur Zankel Music Center. The performance weaves an eclectic musical tapestry, taking audiences on a journey through classically framed infusions of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and elements of rag from Scott Joplins joyful landscapes and Curtis Stewarts intricate rhythms to the compelling works of Teresa Carre簽o and Derrick Skyes global influences. Percussionist Josh Jones will join as a special guest. 
 
The festival culminates in a at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, beginning with student performances of works by Bach, Beethoven, Karl Jenkins, Respighi, and others. Additionally, 窪蹋勛圖厙s new Chinese Ensemble will give a special performance of Nie Ers Crazy Dance of the Golden Snake. The program concludes with students joining artist faculty and members of Sphinx Virtuosi for performances of Astor Piazzollas Oblivion, Kyle Riveras evocative Protector, and Quenton Blaches celebratory Habari Gani, performed with the composer himself. 
 
Both concerts are free and open to the public. The 窪蹋勛圖厙 String Festival is presented by the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Department of Music and generously supported by the Elisabeth Luce Moore Chamber Music Residency, designed to annually bring premier chamber musicians to campus. The Elisabeth Luce Moore Chamber Music Residency was established in 2005 by Michael Moore, who taught classics at 窪蹋勛圖厙. 
 
It is with profound gratitude to Michael Moore that we celebrate this 20-year milestone, said Emery. He approached me with this vision and established the Elisabeth Luce Moore Chamber Music Residency fund to ensure that 窪蹋勛圖厙 would continue to provide our students and college community with these extraordinary experiences, culminating in side-by-side performances with world class artists. 

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