UGA Presents welcomes the acclaimed Sphinx Virtuosi to Ramsey Concert Hall on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., joined by internationally celebrated violinist Randall Goosby.
Presented as part of the UGA Presents 30th anniversary season, “Visions of Peace” is a powerful and timely program exploring themes of resilience, reflection and shared humanity through music spanning cultures, generations and musical traditions.
Sphinx Virtuosi is a self-conducted chamber orchestra composed of 18 of the nation’s finest Black and Latino string players. It serves as the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts.
The evening’s program brings together works by composers whose voices reflect both historical depth and contemporary urgency. The concert opens with José White Lafitte’s lyrical “La Bella Cubana,” followed by selections from Clarice Assad’s vibrant “Impressions” and Jessie Montgomery’s luminous “Chemiluminescence.” Violinist Randall Goosby takes center stage in William Grant Still’s “Suite for Violin and String Orchestra,” a deeply personal work inspired by sculptures of the Harlem Renaissance — and arranged for the ensemble by Goosby himself.
After intermission, the ensemble presents “Visions of Peace” by Sphinx Virtuosi member Quenton Blache, a co-commissioned work that gives the program its title and serves as its emotional core. The evening concludes with Rubén Rengel’s gripping string orchestra arrangement of Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 7, “Stalingrad,” and Manuel Ponce’s beloved “Estrellita,” offering moments of both intensity and tenderness.
Signed exclusively to Decca Classics, Goosby is one of today’s most compelling young violinists, acclaimed for his expressive musicianship and commitment to expanding the classical canon. A former Sphinx Competition First Prize winner, Goosby has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras and is deeply engaged in education and community outreach. His collaboration with Sphinx Virtuosi reflects a shared mission to inspire connection and broaden access to classical music.
Join the audience for a free pre-performance talk by members of the ensemble in Hodgson Concert Hall from 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Support for this performance is provided by John A. Maltese.
UGA Presents is the University of Georgia’s performing arts series, celebrating 30 years of bringing world-class professional artists and transformative cultural experiences to Athens.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.