Sphinx Virtuosi

Sunday, February 21 at 7:00pm
Baldwin Auditorium

A chamber ensemble
Photo Credit: Brian Hatton

“[The performance] opened with a propulsive, richly hued interpretation…which demonstrated the ensemble’s polish and tonal allure.”

The New York Times

Artistry meets invention with the Sphinx Virtuosi. One of the most talked-about classical ensembles working today, the self-conducted Sphinx players serve up “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty” (The Washington Post) while offering a fresh, unique approach to programming. 

The America250 concert combines many inspirations of the American melting pot with “classically-framed infusions” of spirituals, patriotic songs, blues, and Latin dance. Ever curious and always adventuresome, the Sphinx Virtuosi bring with them a new piece by Rachel McFarlane, a young composer of film and video game music. The program includes music by Latin GRAMMY-winner Roberto Sierra, juxtaposed with a Blues movement by the Frenchman Maurice Ravel, written in 1923 after hearing American jazz. The Virtuosi wrap things up with the vivacious Concerto in D for String Orchestra (1946), composed in Hollywood by the 20th-century giant Igor Stravinsky, shortly after he became an American citizen. 


Program

AMERICA250: SOUNDS OF UNITY

Rachel McFarlane: American Dialogues

Florence Price: String Quartet No. 2,

II. Andante Cantabile

Roberto Sierra: Sinfonietta for Strings
Jessie Montgomery: Banner!
Maurice Ravel arr. Mladen Miloradovic: Blues from Violin Sonata
Igor Stravinsky: Concerto in D for string orchestra, “Basle”

*Program is subject to change


About Sphinx Virtuosi

Sphinx Virtuosi is a dynamic, self-conducted chamber orchestra and the flagship performing ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the arts. Comprising 18 of the nation’s most accomplished professional string players, Sphinx Virtuosi is redefining classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and cultural leadership.

Recognized for their artistry and commanding presence, Sphinx Virtuosi has been praised by The New York Times as “top-notch… more essential at this moment than ever.” The Strad lauds their “elegant ascent into the upper ranks of string orchestras,” a testament to their growing influence in the field. With performances that captivate audiences nationwide, their annual Carnegie Hall appearance has become a celebrated highlight of the fall season. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Songs for Our Times (Deutsche Grammophon) was hailed as “a knockout” by Gramophone, which praised their “consistently polished and passionate performances.” 

Members of Sphinx Virtuosi are sought-after soloists, chamber musicians, and faculty members at top institutions. They have performed with major American orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and the Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta, Seattle, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras. Beyond the concert stage, they are artist-citizens, leading impactful community initiatives and fostering deep engagement with audiences worldwide. 

Sphinx Virtuosi has collaborated with legendary artists such as Terence Blanchard, Denyce Graves, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Damien Sneed, Will Liverman, J’Nai Bridges, Abel Selaocoe, and Davóne Tines. They have also worked with cultural icons like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, with high-profile appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the Grammy Awards broadcast. 

Sphinx Virtuosi’s Website | Instagram | Facebook

A women in a magenta dress playing her chamber instrument
When
  • Sun, Feb 21, 2027 at 7:00pm
Where

Baldwin Auditorium
1336 Campus Drive
Durham, NC 27705

Venue Details
Ticket prices
  • $47Tier 1
  • $35Tier 2
  • $10*Students
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2026-27 Chamber Arts Series