Sphinx Chamber Orchestra to Perform for Diehn Concert Series Tonight

The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra (SCO), an ensemble composed of the top alumni of the national Sphinx Competition for young black and Latino string players, will perform at Old Dominion University at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, in Chandler Recital Hall for the Diehn Concert Series.

During its highly acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall in December 2004, this unique group earned rave reviews from Allan Kozinn of The New York Times, who described their performances as "first-rate in every way." SCO earned further praise when the group returned to Carnegie Hall in 2006 and 2007 for two additional outstanding programs before a sold-out hall of more than 2,800.

Inspired by Sphinx's overarching mission, SCO adopts a varied repertoire to engage young and new audiences in the pursuit of diversity in classical music. The musicians perform masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart, alongside works by composers of color, including Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, George Walker, Michael Abels and Astor Piazzolla.

Tickets, $10 for students and $15 for general admission, may be purchased in advance at the Arts and Letters box office, located in the University Theatre lobby, or by calling 683-5305. The box office is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are also available at the door one hour before each performance.

Parking for Diehn concerts is in the 49th Street garage adjacent to Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, or in the circular lot between the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center and Webb University Center.

An endowment established at The Norfolk Foundation, made possible by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. F. Ludwig Diehn, funds this program.

For information about future Diehn concert performances, visit http://al.odu.edu/al/about/Diehn.shtml.