More than 100 champions of diversity and inclusion from across the Penn State University Park campus and the wider community gathered on the Eisenhower Auditorium stage Sept. 27 to welcome Sphinx Virtuosi. The evening included remarks by President Eric J. Barron; and performances by Penn State choral ensemble Essence of Joy and Catalyst Quartet, which features principal players of Sphinx Virtuosi. The orchestra arrived in town for three days of engagement activities at the University Park and Altoona campuses. The University is getting ready to kick off "All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion" at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6 with a special event on the Old Main lawn and livestreamed to campuses.
Essence of Joy
Essence of Joy, a choral ensemble comprised of Penn State students, performs for more than 100 guests on the stage of Eisenhower Auditorium.
Essence of Joy
Anthony Leach, Penn State School of Music professor and Essence of Joy director, introduces the powerful and moving “Glory” during a welcome event for Sphinx Virtuosi.
Catalyst Quartet
Catalyst Quartet members (from left, Karla Donehew Perez and Suliman Tekalli on violin, Karlos Rodriguez on cello, and Paul Laraia on viola) perform during a welcome event for Sphinx Virtuosi. The quartet is composed of the Sphinx Virtuosi orchestra’s principal musicians.
Catalyst Quartet
Paul Laraia, Sphinx Virtuosi principal violist and Catalyst Quartet member, performs a preview of “Latin Voyages: Viajes Latinos” during a welcome event for Sphinx Virtuosi. The orchestra of diversity will perform the program during a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Schwab Auditorium.
Essence of Joy
Essence of Joy, a student ensemble under the direction of Dr. Tony Leach, performs for more than 100 guests on the stage of Eisenhower Auditorium during a community welcome dinner for Sphinx Virtuosi.
Sphinx Virtuosi welcome event
Attendees to the Sphinx Virtuosi community welcome dinner—including Penn State President Eric J. Barron and his wife, Molly (center)—listen to Essence of Joy performing “America the Beautiful.”
Eric Barron
Penn State President Dr. Eric J. Barron speaks about the university’s new initiative, “All In at Penn State,” which highlights the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts during a community welcome dinner for Sphinx Virtuosi.
Tom Hogan
Tom Hogan, professor of practice, human resource management, of Penn State’s School of Labor and Employment Relations, introduces a new initiative during a community welcome dinner for Sphinx Virtuosi which utilizes the performing arts to amplify the university’s efforts regarding diversity and inclusion.
