TL/DR –
Aaron Dworkin, a professor at the University of Michigan and founder of the Sphinx Organization in Detroit, is writing a poem for the opening of the new season of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Dworkin is known for his work in promoting the professional careers of young artists and has previously been acknowledged as one of “15 People Who Make America Great” by Newsweek. The inaugural Sphinx Competition, which Dworkin’s organization initiated, was held with the Ann Arbor Symphony and still features winners of the competition to this day.
Aaron Dworkin to Kickstart Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s New Season
Aaron Dworkin, a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, expresses his excitement about his long-time collaboration with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. His impressive career started as a violinist with the Sphinx Organization in Detroit, a group that helps enhance the professional experiences of aspiring young artists.
As an accomplished author of nonfiction and poetry books, Dworkin’s latest work, The Poetjournalist (Lenox Avenue Press), solidifies his self-proclaimed role as a wordsmith. As a MacArthur Fellow and a member of the National Council on the Arts, Dworkin has been invited to write and present a poem for this year’s inaugural concert of the symphony.
This event takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, in Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium, featuring music by Joan Tower, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Antonin Dvorák with Earl Lee as the music director.
In explaining the inspiration behind his poem, Dworkin hints at two lines: “Hear each note, a raindrop in an endless storm of rhythm.” “Here in Ann Arbor, music is not merely heard. It is lived, tasted, felt in the pulse and sway of place.”
Dworkin, the resident poet for various organizations, has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Harvard University, and Minneapolis Orchestra Hall, amongst others. A recent performance includes his rendition of a poem about the US-UK relationship at the official residence of the American ambassador in London.
With a 25-year history with the Sphinx Organization and the Ann Arbor Symphony, Dworkin has a personal connection with the upcoming Symphony’s season. His wife, Afa, a violinist, also plays a significant role as the president and artistic director of the Sphinx Organization.
Dworkin, recognized by Newsweek as one of “15 People Who Make America Great” and an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, is fervent about his work in the arts and philanthropy. With his proactive participation in numerous arts organizations, he has managed to raise $50 million for various causes.
Dworkin looks forward to the kick-off of the 95th Symphony season, expressing his deep honor at being part of it. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will begin its opening concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University, Ann Arbor.
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