The Harlem Quartet
Rear (L to R): Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Desmond Neysmith, Ilmar Gavilán; Front: Melissa White
The Harlem Quartet is an ensemble comprising first-place Laureates of the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. Its mission is to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire, highlighting works by minority composers. Dedicated to education and community engagement, the quartet serves as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy at Walnut Hill School in Massachusetts, and as visiting faculty at the Sphinx Preparatory Music Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit. The quartet opened its 2009-10 season as featured soloists on the national Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour. The quartet recently played two command performances at the White House for the President and First Lady. They were also invited to perform with Itzhak Perlman in New York, in Rio de Janeiro and Recife, and in London with a performance at the residence of the US ambassador.
Harlem Quartet members are:
Juan-Miguel Hernandez (viola)
Melissa White (violin)
Desmond Neysmith (cello)
Ilmar Gavilán (violin)
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Photo credit: Tia Williams
