The Sphinx Organization, an American nonprofit that works to boost African-American and Latino participation in classical music, has received $4 million from an anonymous donor. The donation is to be used to strengthen educational and training programs.
The Sphinx Organization was founded in 1996 by Aaron P. Dworkin, to help overcome the cultural stereotype of classical music and to encourage the participation of Blacks and Latinos in the field. Aaron Dworkin often has criticized American orchestras, saying that they aren’t doing enough to diversify their ranks. Only about four percent of orchestra players in the U.S. are black and Latino. Thus, Sphinx’s principal aim is to assist young musicians on career paths in classical music. The organization said the donation will allow it to increase it’s scholarship awards. Sphinx is also creating a training program for emerging conductors of color in cooperation with several major orchestras.
More information: www.SphinxMusic.org
