Ithaca College

The Catalyst Quartet comprises top Laureates and alumni of the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. The mission of the ensemble is to advance diversity in classical music and inspire new and young audiences with dynamic performances of cutting-edge repertoire by a wide range of composers.

Founded by the Sphinx Organization, members of the Catalyst Quartet combine a serious commitment to diversity, excellence and education with a passion for accessible modern works.

Graduates of top music schools in the country, including the Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music, the Catalyst Quartet serves as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy at Oberlin College and Roosevelt College in Chicago, Illinois, and as visiting teaching artists at the Sphinx Preparatory Music Institute hosted by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Along with recordings later this year on Naxos and White Pine labels, The Catalyst Quartet will make their debut at Carnegie Hall on October 5th, 2010, and at the National Conference for Grantmakers in the Arts, in addition to appearing as the featured Guest Artists for the 14th annual Sphinx Competition. Members of the ensemble have performed as part of the annual national Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour, which has met with critical acclaim since its inception in 2008.

Bryan Hernandez-Luch, violin
Karla Donehew Perez, violin
Christopher Jenkins, viola
Karlos Rodriguez, cello

Program Beethoven String Quartet

**Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation should contact the School of Music at 607-274-3717 as much in advance of the event as possible.