It was not until violinist Aaron Dworkin was in college that he learned about African-American composers or heard any mention of historic interpretations of the classical canon by black musicians. Though he was still a student, he decided instead do what he could to create opportunities for people of color to thrive in the classical music field as he had.
Turns out that what he could do was quite a lot. Thanks to a contribution from James Wolfensohn, then-president of the World Bank, and a partnership with Dworkin’s alma mater, the University of Michigan, Dworkin founded the Sphinx Organization, which today has become an internationally renowned incubator for talented classical musicians of color, boasting a range of programs in music education, performance, mentorship, and more.
Dworkin says, "we believe that music has the power to unite and inspire, and our commitment to diversity and inclusivity reflects this belief. By working towards a more equitable and inclusive classical music industry, we are paving the way for a brighter future."
This week the PBS NewsHour will feature a story covering the work of Sphinx! The piece, produced by Jeffrey Brown for the CANVAS arts and culture series, highlights our ongoing efforts in transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.