| by Kris Kautzman As the MSO seeks new ways to support artists of color in classical music, we’ve learned about and gotten connected to Sphinx, an amazing national arts and social justice organization based in Detroit. Now in their 25th year, Sphinx focuses on increasing representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music and recognizing excellence through programs that serve beginner students to seasoned classical music professionals, as well as cultural entrepreneurs and administrators. The organization is led by Afa S. Dworkin, its long-time Artistic Director, who has been with the organization since its inception. This season the MSO has formalized our relationship with Sphinx by joining their coalition of organizations who provide audition support to artists of color. Known as the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), the program offers Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews, and you can learn more here: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/national-alliance-for-audition-support As part of NAAS, the MSO is available to provide transportation to and from auditions when people are in town for auditions with the Minnesota Orchestra and the SPCO (both of which are also members of NAAS). MSO Musicians, please reach out to Jon Lewis if you’d like to be a volunteer for this program! In coming weeks and months we look forward to sharing more about Sphinx – and our connections to the important work they do in the orchestral community! |
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