Sphinx Virtuosi: American Form/s

An exploration of America's diverse musical heritage comes to life through classical interpretations of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues and ragtime. The Sphinx Virtuosi presents American Form/s at the New World Center on Tuesday, March 25.

This self-conducted string orchestra, comprising 18 accomplished Black and Latino musicians, performs a program that weaves together various threads of American classical music. The repertoire ranges from reimagined Joplin rags to contemporary works by Curtis Stewart and immigrant composer Teresa Carreño, alongside Derrick Skye's globally-influenced compositions and modern arrangements of traditional spirituals.

The Sphinx Virtuosi serves as the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, a non-profit dedicated to transforming lives through the arts. Since 2004, the group has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, and recently released their debut album, Songs for Our Times, on Deutsche Grammophon. Their commitment to expanding the classical repertoire includes annual commissions from composers such as Michael Abels, Terence Blanchard and Jessie Montgomery.

These cultural ambassadors have earned recognition not only in classical music but also through collaborations with artists like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the GRAMMY Awards broadcast.