sphinx virtuosi Residency at newport
An inspiring week of mentorship and world‑class performance.
Newport Orchestra is very excited to announce that The Sphinx Virtuosi will be in residence at Newport High School March 1-3, 2027, performing, teaching, and adjudicating.
About the Sphinx Virtuosi
The Sphinx Virtuosi is a dynamic and inspiring professional, self-conducted chamber orchestra that serves as the flagship performing entity of the Sphinx Organization – the leading non-profit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Comprised of 18 Black and Latino artists who reflect the highest level of musicianship in America, a critical aim of the Sphinx Virtuosi is to evolve the breadth and impact of classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement.
Why Sphinx?
Newport Orchestra had the opportunity to meet the Sphinx Virtuosi in March of 2024 when they performed in Louisville at the National Orchestra Festival, sponsored by the American String Teachers Association.
Connection
The Newport Chamber Orchestra was so moved by the Sphinx Virtuosi’s performance of the double Double Bass concerto Galaxy by Xavier Foley that many of them leaped to their feet and yelled “I love you guys!”
Inspiration
The Sphinx Virtuosi’s encore performance of Habari Gani by Quenton Blache was so inspiring that Newport Chamber Orchestra decided to perform it themselves at the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, where they were overjoyed to win 3rd place among 20 of the finest high school orchestras from around the country.
The Sphinx Organization
The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts and has reached more than 100 million people worldwide.
Based in Detroit, Sphinx envisions a day where every young person has the opportunity to express themselves and learn classical music, where audiences reflect the people we see on our streets, and where leadership includes all deserving voices.
The Sphinx Virtuosi members serve as cultural ambassadors for audiences and communities around the United States during national tours. During community engagement events, the musicians interact with the audiences of all ages and demographics through a variety of engagement activities. Their work transforms lives by addressing the systemic lack of access within Black and Latino communities. Together, we will empower young artists by encouraging, developing, and recognizing classical music talent while addressing access and systemic obstacles within our community.
Opportunities to Participate
There will be many opportunities to interact with the Sphinx Virtuosi that will be open to the public, even for those who aren’t musically inclined. These events are designed to provide inspiration for all of our orchestra students district wide, to increase public awareness of the opportunity for all students to participate in music, to promote conversations with community leaders that create a better understanding of the barriers to participating in music, and to discuss programs that foster the training required to achieve a high level of success for all students.
Newport Masterclass
Sphinx Virtuosi will teach a public masterclass featuring Newport Orchestra students performing chamber music at 6:00 pm on Monday, March 1, 2027.
Middle School Concert
All Bellevue School district middle school orchestra students will be invited to attend a special performance at Newport High School during the school day at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 2, 2027.
Side By Side Concert
Sphinx Virtuosi will perform a special evening concert featuring Habari Gani by Quenton Blache alongside Newport Orchestra at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2027
Eastshore Orchestra Festival
Sphinx Virtuosi will perform and serve as adjudicators at Eastshore Orchestra 1 Festival on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.
Roundtable Discussion
Newport Orchestra will host a roundtable discussion with members of Sphinx Virtuosi, music students, district leaders, and community stakeholders at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.
Our Sponsors
Primary Sponsors of the Sphinx Residency at Newport High School are 4Culture, SONO (Supporters of Newport Orchestra), and the Eastshore Music Region.
Support Sphinx Virtuosi Residency at Newport
The Sphinx Virtuosi Residency at Newport is made possible through the incredible generosity of our sponsors—and we’re thrilled to bring this transformative experience to our students. To make the residency truly shine, we’re seeking additional support for transportation and hospitality, and your help can make all the difference.
Join us in empowering young musicians and transforming lives through the arts. Your donation today helps create meaningful, life‑changing opportunities for our students. Thank you for being part of this inspiring journey!
Help Fund Sphinx at Newport
Help us to transform lives through the power of the arts by making a donation today!