The Lyceum Program at North Carolina A&T State University begins its series on Sunday, Sept. 27, with the Harlem Quartet, Sphinx Chamber Orchestra and violinist Elena Urioste, at 6:30 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium.

This program will tickle the artistic palette of those of us who really love classical music at its best. The Harlem Quartet, comprising First-Place Laureates of the Sphinx Competition, has a unique and challenging mission; 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.

The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra (SCO) is an ensemble comprised of the top alumni of the National Sphinx Competition for young Black Latino string players. This unique group earned rave reviews from The New York Times in 2004, during its highly acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall. Allan Kozinn of The Times describes their performance as "first-rate in every way" and the ensemble "produced a more beautiful, precise and carefully shaped sound than some fully professional orchestras that come through Carnegie Hall in the course of the year."

Violinist Urioste, recently selected by Symphony Magazine as an emerging artist to watch, has been hailed by critics and audiences alike for her rich tone, the nuanced lyricism of her playing, and her commanding stage presence. Since making her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 13 as a winner of the Greenfield Competition, she has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras throughout the United States including the Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Pops, National Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Hartford Symphonies, as well as Hungary’s Orchestra Dohnanyi Budafok.

All Lyceum programs are free to students, faculty and staff at N.C. A&T with valid university identification. Non-university and community patrons tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Ticket Office at Brown Hall or by calling 336.334.7749. Tickets for this event go on sale September 8. Stay tuned for additional 2009-10 Lyceum programs.