In 2022, social justice nonprofit Sphinx Organization celebrated its 25th anniversary. Throughout the year, the organization has honored its long-time commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts.
Established in 1997 by professional violinist Aaron Dworkin, Sphinx is focused on increasing Black and Latino representation in classical music. The organization started as the “Sphinx Competition” for up-and-coming string players, but with time, the organization has expanded its offerings. Now, Sphinx offers multiple programs, scholarships and performance opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in music.
Even though the program is based in Detroit, MI, Sphinx has become a nationwide movement that “catalyzes change in the landscape of classical music,” and boasts over 1,000 alumni. Since its inception, Sphinx has invested more than $10 million into artist grants and scholarships nationwide.
Today, Sphinx is led by professional musician Afa Dworkin, who has served as the organization’s president and artistic director since 2015. “Sphinx’s 25th anniversary is an important milestone not only for recognizing the work of the past, but for shining a light on the present and the future…” said Afa on the organization’s milestone. “[It’s] not just for celebrating 25 years of excellence and diversity in classical music, but for reaffirming our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to the programs through which Sphinx has become a true epicenter for artists and leaders in diversity,” Dworkin added.
A 2021 Equality and Diversity report conducted by Donne found that across 100 orchestras in 27 countries during the 2020 concert season, only about 3% of musical pieces performed were composed by Black or Asian men. The study also revealved that even less pieces were perfomed by women of the same races. Although a recent report shows that there has been an increase in American orchestras performing music by composers of color in 2022, there is still a lot that needs to be done to booste diversity in the arts.
Robert F. Smith’s Work to Increase Access to Music Education
As a music lover, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert F. Smith supports a number of efforts to provide aspiring young musicians of color with opportunities.
Smith is a loyal supporter of the Sphinx Organization. In 2016, Smith gifted the organization a significant donation to create the Robert Frederick Smith Prize. The donation was a $50,000 scholarship that helps build career pathways in the classical music field for students of color. “Music is at the core of the African-American and Latino cultural experience, and provides us with a language to inspire, uplift and empower our young people,” said Smith when announcing the prize. “I partnered with Sphinx to give this prize because Sphinx understands how music transforms lives and through its competition can recognize the very best musicians in the world.”
In 2019, Smith also provided Sphinx with a $3 million grant through Fund II Foundation, a grantmaking foundation of which Smith is founding director and President. This was the largest grant ever awarded to the organization — it went directly towards supporting the various leadership and development programs offered to students. “As a longtime supporter and advocate of Sphinx, it was both crucial and personally meaningful for me to ensure long-term sustainability for these programs,” said Smith.
Learn more about Smith’s work with the Sphinx Organization.
