Outstanding Young Classical Musicians at Sphinx and the National Youth Orchestra of USA

Every week WXXI-FM Classical 91.5 celebrates outstanding young classical musicians on the program From the Top (Sundays at 5:00 p.m.)  But there are so many more outstanding young classical musicians around the world that we don't hear about as often. 

This past week on Performance Today we were introduced to the winner of the 2015 Sphinx Competition in the senior division.  His name is Eduardo Ríos and he is a native of Lima, Peru.  If you would like to see his performance, visit http://www.sphinxmusic.org/finals-live.html . The Sphinx Competition for Black and Latino strings players provides an opportunity for young musicians of color to compete under the guidance and mentorship of internationally renowned musicians. 

In addition to the Sphinx Competition, Sphinx operates a variety of programs including Sphinx Overture, which offers free violins and lessons to elementary school students in underserved communities, and Sphinx Performance Academy, a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music program for aspiring Black and Latino musicians ages 12-17.  They also partner with orchestras (including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra) and other artistic organizations (including the Chautauqua School of Music in our region) around the world to connect with performers and further their mission.  

I encourage you to check out the Sphinx Organization to find out more about how they are "Transforming Lives through the Power of Diversity in the Arts."

Also Carnegie Hall just announced the members of the 2015 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.  Two Rochester musicians have been named to the 2015 NYO-USA roster. They are violinist Helen K. Wong and violist Martine Thomas. Both are returning members. Congratulations to them both! Read more about the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.

The members of NYO-USA spend the first two weeks of the summer season in residence on the campus of Purchase College, SUNY.  The residency includes sectional and full orchestral rehearsals, workshops on musical and non-musical topics designed to complement the focus on tour repertoire. Then the orchestra will embark on a seven-city concert tour of China, visiting and performing in its most important music centers.  The orchestra will perform under the baton of one of today’s most sought-after conductors, Charles Dutoit, artistic director and principal conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

Congratulations to all these outstanding young musicians.  We'll enjoy watching your progress on the way up.