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Newport Classical Music Festival presents Opening Night with Sphinx Virtuosi
July 5 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$50 – $95
Experience the groundbreaking artistry of Sphinx Virtuosi, one of the nation’s most dynamic professional chamber orchestras, comprised of 18 of the nation’s top Black and Latinx classical soloists. Set against the opulent backdrop of The Breakers, the self-conducted chamber orchestra delivers a pioneering program spotlighting historically marginalized composers. With cellist Thomas Mesa joining as soloist for Jessie Montgomery’s Divided, prepare to be moved by the sheer brilliance and passion of this 18-piece ensemble, delivering a performance that will leave you breathless.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the City-by-the-Sea, the Newport Classical Music Festival presents 27 concerts held in 11 historic venues over 18 days from July 4-21, featuring a total of 120 musicians from around the world. Patrons can easily craft a Festival itinerary tailored to their preferences – be it the discovery of a new composer, the rhythm of percussion, or revisiting a beloved work with a fresh perspective. The Festival celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. For 55 years, Newport Classical has been a beacon for artistry, drawing in countless concertgoers to revel in exceptional performances within unique and intimate settings.
Highlights include a sensational recital by acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers; the return to Newport of Chanticleer, Canadian Brass, and A Far Cry with special guests Kinan Azmeh and Dinuk Wijeratne; the Music Festival debut of the storied Handel and Haydn Society; two enchanting evenings with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Laura Benanti; plus performances by star pianists Lara Downes, Joyce Yang, Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner, Drew Petersen, and Daniel del Pino; and appearances by numerous celebrated chamber ensembles including the Isidore String Quartet; PUBLIQuartet; Duo Kayo; Lincoln Trio; Fenway Quintet; Poulenc Trio with accordionist Hanzhi Wang; and Sō Percussion with vocalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw.