Founded in 1997 in Detroit, but with nationwide reach, the Sphinx Virtuosi is a dynamic and inspiring professional self-conducted chamber orchestra and serves as the flagship performing entity of the Sphinx Organization—the leading social justice non-profit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Comprised primarily of Black and Latinx artists, a critical aim of the Sphinx Virtuosi is to evolve and transform the face of classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement. Its members serve as cultural and diversity ambassadors for audiences and communities around the United States during national tours, and perform annually at Carnegie Hall where The New York Times has praised the group as “…top-notch…more essential at this moment than ever…a vibrant, assured performance.”

PROGRAM:

BLACHE: Habari Gani (new work for Sphinx Virtuosi)
FARÍAS: Abran Paso (new work for Sphinx Virtuosi)
CASSARRUBIOS: Herencia (new work for Sphinx Virtuosi)
HAILSTORK: “Dona Nobis Pacem,” and “Exultate” from Sonata da Chiesa
FOLEY: Concertante for 2 double bass soloists with string orchestra (new work for Sphinx Virtuosi)
PERKINSON: Sinfonietta No.2, “Generations”

One of the most distinctive artists of his generation and a longtime CAMA favorite, Sir Stephen Hough is a true Renaissance man, combining a distinguished international career as a pianist with those of composer, writer, and painter. Named by The Economist as one of “Twenty Living Polymaths” (a person of great learning and varied expertise), he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 and was the first classical performer to be awarded a MacArthur Fellowship (“Genius Grant”) in 2001. Sir Stephen brings his trademark eloquence and precision to what will be his fifth Masterseries recital appearance at the Lobero, with music by composers close to his heart. From the mysterious and mystical realms of Mompou and Scriabin to the evocative imagery of Debussy and Hough’s own Partita, Hough leaves his stamp on all of this repertoire. His recital closes with a suite of pieces selected from the second volume of Liszt’s Années de pèlerinage—the famous “Petrarch Sonnets” as well as the astounding “Dante Sonata.”

PROGRAM:

MOMPOU: Cants màgics
DEBUSSY: Estampes, L.100
SCRIABIN: Piano Sonata No.5, Op.53
HOUGH: Partita (2019)
LISZT: From the Italian Book of Années de pèlerinage:
Petrarch Sonnets 47, 104, and 123
Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi Sonata (“Dante Sonata”)

French pianist Hélène Grimaud is a deeply passionate artist who strongly believes that music dignifies the human experience by giving voice to thoughts and feelings. She believes that each concert must be an emotional event presented with an intense commitment, sustaining a mood from piece to piece, so that audiences feel pulled into a narrative. With an original and probing mind, she takes no note for granted in her performance—equal parts agile, independent, and elegant—that highlight her breathtaking musical intuition and inventiveness. Her multiple talents extend far beyond the instrument she plays with such passion and focus. She has also established herself as a committed wildlife conservationist, compassionate human rights activist, and writer. Her prodigious contribution to and impact on the world of classical music were recognized by the French government when she was admitted into the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (France’s highest decoration) at the rank of Chevalier (Knight). She returns to the Lobero by popular demand with a commanding program of major works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Bach.

PROGRAM:

BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No.30 in E Major, Op.109
BRAHMS: 3 Intermezzi, Op.117
BRAHMS: 7 Fantasien, Op.116
BACH, arr. BUSONI: “Chaconne,” from Partita No.2 in D Minor, BWV 1004

CAMA’s Masterseries season opens with a very special evening with Avi Avital and Hanzhi Wang, two virtuoso musicians performing together on instruments not normally expected to be part of a classical music recital. Mandolinist Avi Avital has been compared to Andrés Segovia for his championship of his instrument and to Jascha Heifetz for his incredible virtuosity. A passionate and explosively charismatic performer, his two exhilarating past performances for CAMA with the LA Chamber Orchestra (2018) and Les Violons du Roy (2021) confirmed that he is “a musician who recognizes no boundaries except those of good taste, and who has the artistry to persuade listeners to follow him anywhere.” (New York Times).    www.aviavital.com

Acclaimed for her staggering virtuosity, Chinese-born Hanzhi Wang is the only accordionist ever to win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 60-year history and be named Musical America’s “New Artist of the Month.” A groundbreaking artist, she is an ambassador for her instrument and has been praised for her captivating stage presence and her masterful performances that display both passion and finesse.  hanzhiwang.org

PROGRAM:

KREISLER: Praeludium and Allegro “in the style of Pugnani”
STRAVINSKY: Suite italienne (from Pulcinella)
BACH: “Chaconne,” from Partita No.2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 (mandolin solo)
BARTÓK: Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.56 (1915)
SARASATE: Spanish Dance Op.22, No.1, “Romanza Andaluza”
DE FALLA: “Danse espagnole” No.1 from La vida breve
SAINT-SAËNS: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in A Minor, Op.28