INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced two new performances in the popular Sphinx series to be held in February and March 2023. Since the 2021-22 season, the ISO has partnered with the Detroit-based Sphinx Organization, a national nonprofit dedicated to developing young Black and Latinx classical musicians.
The spring concerts will be held on the following dates:
7 p.m., February 8, 2023
Symphony on the Avenue
Walker Theatre
617 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis
Reserve free tickets
Presented in collaboration with the Madam Walker Legacy Center, the concert features Sphinx artists Titus Underwood, oboe, and Rubén Rengel, violin, alongside ISO musicians Yu Jin, principal viola, and Austin Huntington, principal cello. The program includes Mozart’s Quartet for Oboe and Strings in F Major; Loop for String Trio by Carlos Simon; Phantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello by Benjamin Britten; and String Trio No. 5 in C Minor by Beethoven.
5:30 p.m., March 25, 2023
ISO Presents an Evening with Sphinx
Hilbert Circle Theatre
43 Monument Circle, Indianapolis
Reserve free tickets
Featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, and double bassist Kebra-Seyoun Charles of the Sphinx Organization, the program includes Slavonic Dances by Dvořák; Source Code by Jessie Montgomery; Raise Hymn, Praise Shout by John B. Hedges; and Symphony No. 3 by Florence Price.
The series offers concerts at Hilbert Circle Theatre and other Indianapolis venues to create memorable community connections and celebrate the talents of composers and musicians who have been unjustly overlooked or underrepresented. The Sphinx series, made possible with generous support from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and JP Morgan Chase, are free of charge. The March 25 concert is “pay what you wish.”
About the Madam Walker Legacy Center
An integral part of the Indianapolis community, the Madam Walker Legacy Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Madam CJ Walker by providing cultural education, promoting social justice, supporting entrepreneurship, and empowering youth to become the next generation of entrepreneurs and civic leaders. We use our historic building as a venue for celebrating cultural diversity, rich heritage, and cultural traditions, primarily through art from the African-American perspective. Learn more.
About the Sphinx Organization
The Sphinx Organization is a social justice organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Focused on increasing the representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music and recognizing excellence, Sphinx programs serve beginner students to seasoned classical music professionals, as well as cultural entrepreneurs and administrators. Based in Detroit, Michigan, but with nationwide reach, Sphinx envisions a day where the classical music field looks like our communities: 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, on stage and off, includes all deserving voices. Learn more.
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the DeHaan Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org.
