CIM alum returns to Kulas Hall with Sphinx Virtuosi

Of all the groups with which cellist Eri Snowden-Rodriguez (BM ’10, MM ’12, Geber/Kraut) performs, none is closer to their heart than Sphinx Virtuosi, guests of CIM on Monday, Oct. 17.  

Simply put, no other group reflects their identity so fully, their taste in music so completely. A self-conducted chamber orchestra organized by the Sphinx Organization, the Virtuosi are committed to a uniquely broad, representative vision of classical music. 

“It’s one of my most cherished musical endeavors,” said Snowden-Rodriguez, a queer, Latinx person who also serves as principal cellist of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Erie Philharmonic. “The camaraderie of Black and Latinx musicians coming together and having a shared experience, it means a lot.” 

The relationship developed in 2015, when Snowden-Rodriguez was invited to join the Virtuosi on a tour similar to the one they’re on now, which includes concerts around the US and the group’s international debut in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  

From that point on, Snowden-Rodriguez was hooked. In addition to sharing stages with others who look like them, Snowden-Rodriguez was enchanted by the experience of mastering and sharing new and neglected music.   

“It feels unique as a classical musician,” they said. “Our process is very involved with composers. It’s awesome to have that interaction and get to bring their music to life.” 

The lineup for CIM, titled Songs for Our Times, is a perfect example. Stocked with Sphinx commissions – brand-new works by Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman, Ricardo Herz and others – the program bears out the truth (pronounced in The New York Times) that the Virtuosi are “more essential at this moment than ever.” 

One work is of special resonance to the CIM alum. Snowden-Rodriguez said Prayer for our Times, a commission from Michael Dudley, possesses “a lot of heart and soul.” 

“It’s just incredibly moving,” they said. “It’s his way of processing grief from the pandemic and how we’re dealing with it collectively. It brings me to tears.”  

It’s fitting that the Virtuosi are headed to CIM, where diversity is a priority and where they’re part of the 2022-23 Kulas Visiting Artist Series, generously supported by the Kulas Foundation.  

But the visit is particularly meaningful to Snowden-Rodriguez, whose studies at CIM included an emphasis on chamber music.  

“My time at CIM certainly shaped me as a musician,” they said. “Me being in Sphinx today is a result of the focus I had at CIM.”  

The Sphinx Virtuosi concert is at 7:30pm Monday, Oct. 17 in Kulas Hall. Free tickets are required. Go to cim.edu/events to request tickets.