27th Annual Sphinx Competition
Jan. 24-27, 2024
About the Sphinx Competition
The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit, is a national competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians.
Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of nearly $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.
Honors Concert
Friday, Jan. 26 | 12 PM
All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.
Sphinx Finals Concert
Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7:30 PM
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center – Detroit, MI
SENIOR DIVISION (Ages 18 – 30)
1st Place – $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize and solo appearances with major orchestras
2nd Place – $20,000
3rd Place – $10,000
Audience Choice – $5,000
JUNIOR DIVISION (Ages 17 and under)
1st Place – $10,000, solo appearances with major orchestras, and nationally-broadcast radio appearance on From the Top
2nd Place – $5,000
3rd Place – $3,000
SphinxConnect 2024: Amplify
The largest and longest-standing convening dedicated to diversity and inclusion in classical music will welcome hundreds of musicians, industry leaders, educators, funders, diversity advocates, and administrators to Detroit (MI), January 25-27, 2024! With over 30 sessions designed to inspire and ignite action and spark collaboration, the participation of more than 90 speakers, keynote addresses by luminaries and trailblazers, and much more: you won’t want to miss this transformative experience!
Support Provided By
26th Annual Sphinx Competition
About the Sphinx Competition
The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit (MI), is a national competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians.
Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of nearly $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.
Honors Concert
Sphinx Finals Concert
SphinxConnect 2023: Impact
Join hundreds of musicians, industry leaders, educators, funders, diversity advocates, and administrators from Jan. 26-28, 2023, in Detroit, MI, for the largest and longest-standing convening dedicated to diversity and inclusion in classical music! We look forward to welcoming attendees to the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center for an enlightening experience designed to inspire action and ignite collaboration.
Support Provided By
25th Annual Sphinx Finals Competition Concert
Detroit Public Television is proud to once again partner with the The Sphinx Organization for the 2022 SphinxConnect Conference and the 25th Annual Sphinx Finals Competition Concert.
The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting.