From the South Orange-Maplewood School District Department of Visual and Performing Arts:
For over 10 years, the South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD) Fine & Performing Arts Department has offered local students and families the opportunity to experience world-class musical performances. This fall, the district, in partnership with the Sphinx Organization, provided 40 complimentary tickets for SOMSD families to attend the Sphinx Virtuosi’s annual concert, American Dialogues 250, held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City.
The Sphinx Virtuosi, a dynamic string ensemble known for its professional polish and populist energy, presented a visionary program celebrating America at 250. The performance featured acclaimed violinist Amaryn Olmeda, Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, and works by Jessie Montgomery, Damien Geter, Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, and Rachel McFarlane.
From left to right: CHS students Lorelei Harrington Wright, Oliver Sandoval, Tahlia Mazzocchi and Beckett Meda (Photo courtesy of James Manno)
Founded in 1997, the Detroit-based Sphinx Organization is a national social justice movement dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Sphinx focuses on increasing representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music by addressing systemic obstacles, nurturing young musical talent, commissioning works by diverse composers, and providing artist development at every stage of a musician’s career. As the organization’s flagship performing chamber orchestra, the Sphinx Virtuosi serves as a premier cultural ambassador, bringing vibrant, relevant classical programs to audiences across the nation.
“Providing our students with access to world-class performances at venues like Carnegie Hall is essential to inspiring the next generation of creative minds,” said James A. Manno, SOMSD Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts. “These transformative arts experiences broaden our students’ perspectives, connect them directly with master artists, and demonstrate the profound impact that dedicated artistic expression can have across disciplines.”
Students Sebastian Campos and Zachary Campos at Carnegie Hall. (Photo courtesy of James Manno)
The impact of the event resonated deeply with attendees across various artistic disciplines.
“The performance was astonishing, and it was so amazing seeing all of the musicians so consumed by their music,” shared student and artist Lorelei Harrington Wright. “As a young dancer and artist, it was inspiring seeing this group of dedicated musicians pursue their divine right to art. In ballet class, I took what I learned about understanding the music and communicating the emotion behind it and applied that to my movement. Art is so interconnected, yet all so powerful in its own ways.”
The trip provided many district families and students with their very first opportunity to visit Carnegie Hall, continuing SOMSD’s tradition of enriching arts education through immersive live performance experiences.
Sphinx Performers’ Finale at Carnegie Hall. (Photo courtesy of James Manno)
