In Greek mythology, the Sphinx sets the riddle. In Detroit, the Sphinx Organization answers the riddle of diversity in classical music—and the organization’s efforts were featured on the “PBS Newshour” last night.
The 25-year-old advocacy group, founded by artist/advocate/social entrepreneur Aaron Dworkin, stemmed from his own experience as finding himself being the only Black person in orchestras or in classic-music audiences as well as not learning about Black composers until college and conservatory. While teaching at the University of Michigan, he started Sphinx.
“We were looking at the idea of founding Sphinx and beginning this work in this field,” Dworkin said in the interview, “which didn’t really exist, it was how can we bring about systemic impact. It was how can we change the way that our orchestras are comprised. And of course, more importantly, how can we make sure that high level, high quality music instruction is happening at all of our schools, not jus the ones with the most resources.”
Dworkin and his wife, Afa Sadykhly Dworkin, told “PBS Newshour” that their advocacy met resistance from classical-music leaders and organizations under the guise of “excellence,” namely that seeking and hiring people of color and other minoritized people compromised “artistic integrity.”
Their quarter-century efforts—and 1,000 alumni spread throughout the industry—belied that concern.
The segment also featured 23-year-old Julliard graduate Njioma Grievous, one of the winners of the Sphinx Competition, which gives young string players of color a chance to work with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra as well as contend for cash prizes and touring opportunities with leading orchestras.
She said the win was “life-changing.”
“It showed me that, even through all the struggles, just that keeping on believing made all this possible for all of us on stage. Just the feeling of having all that support of people who have shared in this experience that I have gone through…was very special to me.”
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