Sphinx Alumni Testimonials

Sphinx has created an abundance of opportunities that have catapulted my career as a performing artist, a business person, and a strong black woman. I’m honored to be a member of the Sphinx Familia and grateful for the transformative work supported by the Sphinx Organization. Happy 25th Anniversary!
- Melissa White

MELISSA WHITE, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 1998
Being a part of Sphinx has impacted my career enormously! Thanks to Sphinx I have had the opportunity to solo with many of the top tier U.S. symphony orchestras, perform in major concert halls around the world, study with legendary violinists such as Isaac Stern, enjoy a long-standing career as a founding member of award-winning Harlem Quartet, and received funding to commission the violin on which I currently perform that allows me to do any and all of this!
Sphinx has created an abundance of opportunities that have catapulted my career as a performing artist, a business person, and a strong black woman. I’m honored to be a member of the Sphinx Familia and grateful for the transformative work supported by the Sphinx Organization. Happy 25th Anniversary!

PATRICE JACKSON, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 1999
Sphinx means uniqueness and bold. I will never forget the feeling I had when I came to Sphinx as a high school student coming from an environment where I was used to being the only person of color to Sphinx where everyone was a person of color. That feeling of self worth, sense of belonging and pride eventually carried over long after winning the competition. This is something that I try to teach my students regardless of their backgrounds and ethnicity. I thank Sphinx for being a part of showing me who I am.

I have learned about the power of giving and supporting communities, and there is not a day that goes by that Sphinx is not somehow woven into the very fabric of my life.
- Danielle Belen

DANIELLE BELEN, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2008
In 2014 I was honored with a Sphinx Medal of Excellence...Now, as a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, I have students of my own competing in the Sphinx Competition, and I have been a Board Member for the past several years. I have learned about the power of giving and supporting communities, and there is not a day that goes by that Sphinx is not somehow woven into the very fabric of my life.

THOMAS MESA, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2016
Many of the greatest opportunities I’ve had in my career has been through the Sphinx network. It feels like my family. I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible organization that stands for so much in the world of classical music and well beyond it.

I definitely believe that [Sphinx] has made a difference in this community…
- Leslie DeShazor

LESLIE DESHAZOR, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2001
I definitely believe that [Sphinx] has made a difference in this community….it has a larger role in the lives of the individuals that it touches more than just playing the violin…

Sphinx has been tremendously impactful in my life.
- Weston Sprott

WESTON SPROTT, TROMBONE
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2002
Sphinx has been tremendously impactful in my life. Many of the relationships I cherish most, several of the projects I care deeply about, and numerous personal career highlights have been the result of my connection to the Sphinx Organization.

I am extremely grateful to be part of the Sphinx family and will continue to use my gift of music to impact the world.
- Carlos Simon

CARLOS SIMON, COMPOSER
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
As an African-American composer, being a part of the Sphinx Organization allows me to continue my journey in telling the stories of my culture through music. I am extremely grateful to be part of the Sphinx family and will continue to use my gift of music to impact the world.

CAMILLE DELANEY, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2019
The impact of Sphinx on my career has been immense. I credit a large portion of my trajectory over the past few years to Sphinx and the SphinxLEAD program.

MARCELL GREENE JR., VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2015
Sphinx impacted me in ways that I never thought were possible. By me joining Sphinx I have big opportunities for scholarships and I also was able to perform at the Berry Gordy mansion.

It is difficult to quantify the amount of opportunity that has come from being involved with Sphinx throughout my career. I can say this: I’m not sure I would be where I am today without their support.
- Jessie Montgomery

JESSIE MONTGOMERY, COMPOSER
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 1999
I have been affiliated with the Sphinx Organization since 1999 when I was a junior semi-finalist in the Competition. I have been fortunate to remain a part of the “Sphinx Familia” all of these years and to wear many “hats” among the artistic roles that exist within the organization. It is difficult to quantify the amount of opportunity that has come from being involved with Sphinx throughout my career. I can say this: I’m not sure I would be where I am today without their support.

BRITTON RILEY, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2005
As a junior semi-finalist in 2005, I spent the week surrounded by inspiring artists and mentors, and quickly realized how unique and supportive the Sphinx family was then, and continues to be.

At Sphinx, I was not an ‘only,’ and numerous discussions that had previously been siloed in my life could seamlessly take place in one space. To that point, more than 20 years later, Sphinx is still family.
- Joseph Conyers

JOSEPH CONYERS, DOUBLE BASS
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 1998
From the very first moment I met the other semi-finalists back then in Ann Arbor, MI in 1998, I felt like I was at home in a way that I never had back in Georgia. That experience revealed an inexplicable yet understandable camaraderie with people whom I had never met but with whom I instantly felt like family. At Sphinx, I was not an ‘only,’ and numerous discussions that had previously been siloed in my life could seamlessly take place in one space. To that point, more than 20 years later, Sphinx is still family. Conversations of community engagement, equity, and diversity have been in the consciousness of Black and Latinx classical musicians for the whole of our careers... Using the ‘stronger together’ approach, it is all of us in the Sphinx Familia who can lead the way in making the "classical" music space one that belongs, and is available, to everyone.

It is because of Sphinx's incredibly multi-faceted program that cultivates such significant growth that I'm able to make these dreams come to life.
- Corbin Castro

CORBIN CASTRO, HORN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2018
It is because of Sphinx's incredibly multi-faceted program that cultivates such significant growth that I'm able to make these dreams come to life. I'm deeply honored and thankful to be part of this vast family of empowered artists.

KEARSTON GONZALES, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2017
At the age of 6 I attended my very first Sphinx Competition and knew from that moment on that I wanted to pursue music professionally.

WILL LIVERMAN, BARITONE
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2019
I deeply believe in the mission of the Sphinx Organization to nurture relationships, foster growth, and encourage young artists. In my career, it’s been exhilarating to be onstage and spread joy through opera.

I deeply believe in the mission of the Sphinx Organization to nurture relationships, foster growth, and encourage young artists.
- Will Liverman

J’NAI BRIDGES, MEZZO-SOPRANO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2018
Sphinx has impacted me and my career tremendously. From having the opportunity for one of my first professional engagements, to receiving the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and making my Stern Auditorium debut at Carnegie Hall, Sphinx has been incredibly supportive.

JUAN-MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2006
Sphinx kick-started my career back in 2006 when they envisioned the Harlem Quartet and asked me to be a founding member. I can say with conviction that moment defined the rest of my career!

IFETAYO ALI LANDING, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2015
Sphinx has played a big part in my growth as an artist and performer. I hope to one day be able to give back to the organization so that they can continue to provide amazing opportunities to young musicians.

Being part of Sphinx quite literally changed the course of my life.
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt

MILENA PAJARO-VAN DE STADT, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2003
Being part of Sphinx quite literally changed the course of my life. The friends, mentors, and connections I made through Sphinx set me on the very path towards the career I have today, not the least of which was having found my instrument (switched to viola!) Sphinx continues to impact my career because not only am I a part of this fantastic network, but I get to stay connected and pass what I learned forward.

Sphinx’s belief in me and other emerging arts professionals of color reeled me in immediately.
- Kristal Pacific

KRISTAL PACIFIC, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2020
Sphinx’s belief in me and other emerging arts professionals of color reeled me in immediately. Before this, I was unaware that such a support system existed. I did not have a clear pathway as to how I would advance my career...I am so appreciative to Sphinx for welcoming me in with open arms.

I owe so much of my professional success to the Sphinx Organization: it gave me my first taste of the career and life I had fantasized about since first picking up a violin.
- Elena Urioste

ELENA URIOSTE, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2003
I owe so much of my professional success to the Sphinx Organization: it gave me my first taste of the career and life I had fantasized about since first picking up a violin. More importantly, I am so beyond grateful to everyone involved in the organization for helping to uncover a piece of myself I hadn't even known I was missing. I am proud to be an ambassador for classical music and indebted to Sphinx for allowing me, with their help and encouragement, to step into that role, one I hope to occupy for the rest of my life.

I am so happy to be a part of the Sphinx family and look forward to how I can continue to pay this gift forward.
- Davóne Tines

DAVÓNE TINES, BASS-BARITONE
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2020
The Sphinx Organization has given to me something that each and every artist of color needs as much as air: encouragement… I cannot thank Sphinx enough for the incredible support, encouragement, and honor their generous support has given. I am so happy to be a part of the Sphinx family and look forward to how I can continue to pay this gift forward.

EUGENE ROGERS, CONDUCTOR
SPHINX FAMILILA MEMBER SINCE 2017
I can’t imagine my career without the assistance of the Sphinx... when I think back prior to the [Medal of Excellence] award and how much it has played such a pivotal role in the enhancement, development, and sustaining of my career, it’s simply amazing.

Sphinx marked a before-and-after for my career and my personal fulfillment as an artist.
- Angie Durrell

ANGIE DURRELL, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2008
Sphinx marked a before-and-after for my career and my personal fulfillment as an artist. On my first day of SPA, finding other people that looked like me and loved classical music as much as I did was life changing. Sphinx has been there for every major step of my life and I am grateful to have found mentors, peers, and institutional partners as a result of my affiliation to Sphinx. As an immigrant artist and cultural entrepreneur, it feels like Sphinx has been a passport for my artistic journey!

I think that the Sphinx Organization is really great.
- Lilian Touray

LILIAN TOURAY, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
I think that the Sphinx Organization is really great because it’s a big opportunity for people from our community in the music industry.

I can’t imagine my career without the assistance of the Sphinx.
- Eugene Rogers

TERELL JOHNSON, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
Sphinx has transformed my career and has been instrumental in my professional development and growth. It has been an honor to be a member of the SphinxLEAD program and to be in the company of the exceptional leaders of my cohort.

CHRISTINE LAMPREA, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2009
Beyond catapulting my career in a serious way, I have a community that I can rely on for various kinds of support, which has been invaluable to me in this very tough field. Thank you, Sphinx!

BILL NERI, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2004
Attending the Sphinx Performance Academy was a transformative experience for me...I didn't realize at the time what impact Black and Latinx teachers had on me, but I now credit SPA for giving me the agency to succeed; I never doubted the classical music world would have a place for me.

CAMEREN ANAI WILLIAMS, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2012
I first got involved with Sphinx in 2012 when I participated in Sphinx Performance Academy... I remember not only being in awe of how incredible all my peers and teachers were, but I felt something change inside me when I watched people who looked like me play at such a high level. It inspired me to reach for any dreams I had because I saw these people had already reached the stars.

This family looks out for and lifts each other up, and I'm honored to be a part of it!
- Gabriel Cabezas

GABRIEL CABEZAS, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2003
The people I've met through Sphinx, from my first competition nearly 16 years ago to today, are some of my closest and favorite friends and collaborators. This family looks out for and lifts each other up, and I'm honored to be a part of it!

Being a part of the Sphinx Familia is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced.
- Portia Dunkley

PORTIA DUNKLEY, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2019
Being a part of the Sphinx Familia is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced... I have found a community that I trust, it's not perfect, nothing is, but it's led with love and driven by purpose and that's the heart of it for me.

Sphinx has helped my career grow in ways that I could not have imagined!
- Titus Underwood

TITUS UNDERWOOD, OBOE
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2011
Sphinx has helped my career grow in ways that I could not have imagined! I am extremely honored to be part of such an amazing organization and most importantly, family.

MARZA WILKS, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2009
Since the competition in 2016, I have had incredible experiences, lifelong friendships made, and connections beyond my wildest dreams.

Sphinx has always been a catalyst to some major leap in my career.
- Jennifer Arnold

JENNIFER ARNOLD, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 1998
Sphinx has always been a catalyst to some major leap in my career. As a young competitor it provided me many of my summer opportunities tuition free, the most memorable being Youth Orchestra of the Americas which changed my life on a human level, let me explore South and Central America for free, learn about other cultures and enjoy music making in a different way.

I hope that someday in the future, I can be a part of or even start an organization similar to Sphinx so I too can pay it forward and help the younger generation accomplish their dreams.
- Govanny Brown

GOVANNY BROWN, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2018
The Sphinx Organization has been such a blessing to me and my family over the years! With help from SPA and the MPower Grant, I was able to blossom into the musician I am today. I’m the first person in my family’s HISTORY to go to college. My undocumented mother was worried that she wouldn’t be able to help me afford higher education. However, thanks to Sphinx, I am able to attend one of the best conservatories in the country! I want to truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you and Sphinx have been able to do for me and my family. I will be forever grateful! I hope that someday in the future, I can be a part of or even start an organization similar to Sphinx so I too can pay it forward and help the younger generation accomplish their dreams.

JAZMÍN MORALES, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2019
Sphinx has been one of the most transformative forces in my career. Joining Sphinx LEAD gave me the greatest gift I could have hoped for -- a close network of like-minded professionals of color who are truly dedicated to the work of advancing equity in our field.

I am always inspired by Sphinx and would not be where I was today if it were not for them.
- Aaron Olguin

AARON OLGUIN, DOUBLE BASS
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2013
There are too many things I can say about Sphinx's impact... It has been enormous in my life. No matter how they have supported me, I feel like huge steps in my career and towards my dreams were made. I am always inspired by Sphinx and would not be where I was today if it were not for them.

KARLOS RODRIGUEZ, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2003
Being a part of the Sphinx Organization has shaped and given deeper meaning to why I make music and the impact that my work can have on the lives of others.

DAMIEN SNEED, PIANO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2014
Being a part of Sphinx over the years has majorly impacted my career. Absolutely every facet of my musicality and artistic expression has been aided, assisted, and supported through the generous philanthropic efforts of this fantastic organization.

Participating in the Sphinx Competition over a decade ago opened my eyes to the potential for myself and other musicians of color to make our mark on the world of classical music.
- Randall Goosby

RANDALL GOOSBY, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2009
Participating in the Sphinx Competition over a decade ago opened my eyes to the potential for myself and other musicians of color to make our mark on the world of classical music. I hope to continue making classical music ever more accessible to young musicians, especially those of color, and amplifying the work of marginalized creators within this field.

Never in my career have I met another such organization that so purely and wholeheartedly believes in the arts and their power to unite and transform individuals.
- Raquel González

RAQUEL GONZÁLEZ, SOPRANO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2019
Never in my career have I met another such organization that so purely and wholeheartedly believes in the arts and their power to unite and transform individuals. As artists, we live in constant awareness that what we do is not possible without those who choose to support us, so it means the world to be able to thank you personally and directly for your support.

The fact that this [Sphinx] community is so supportive, and full of resources makes this journey a more enriching and vast experience.
- Lina González-Granados

LINA GONZÁLEZ-GRANADOS, CONDUCTOR
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
The fact that this [Sphinx] community is so supportive, and full of resources makes this journey a more enriching and vast experience.

Sphinx’s importance translates and resonates beyond the realm of classical music…
- Julia Bullock

DANA KELLEY, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2011
I have connected with artists all over the world whom I might never have met. It's wonderful to have such a dynamic and talented group of musicians as colleagues and friends.

MICHAEL CASIMIR, VIOLA
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2009
When I was in college, I was able to travel and take auditions because of the Sphinx prize money that I had won over the years. Not to mention, the scholarship money that Sphinx provided while I attended The Juilliard School for my undergraduate studies...I thank Sphinx for providing an opportunity for me to be seen.

Sphinx has played a big part in making a career as an orchestral musician for me more accessible.
- Denielle Wilson

DENIELLE WILSON, CELLO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
Sphinx has played a big part in making a career as an orchestral musician for me more accessible. The financial support has given me confidence in aiming, not just for any job, but a dream position.

LARA DOWNES, PIANO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2016
I want to extend to the leadership, board and staff of the Sphinx Organization my deepest thanks for this support, my admiration and respect for your efforts on behalf of diversity in the arts, and my great pride in representing Sphinx on concert stages, classrooms, and communities across America.

Being a part of Sphinx gave me additional credibility and mentorship that aided in starting conversations with valuable members of the music community…
- DuMarkus Davis

DUMARKUS DAVIS, VIOLIN
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2021
Being a part of Sphinx gave me additional credibility and mentorship that aided in starting conversations with valuable members of the music community that has led to follow-on capital for my company and additional opportunities for our community of music instructors and students.

JULIA BULLOCK, SOPRANO
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2016
Sphinx’s importance translates and resonates beyond the realm of classical music, because this organization has impacted and shifted the course of many young creative people’s lives by connecting and supporting us, not only as artists, but as complete human beings.

ALEXA SMITH, LEADer
SPHINX FAMILIA MEMBER SINCE 2020
The mentorship opportunities have given me the confidence I didn't know I needed to expand my dreams of making a difference in classical music.

Sphinx's mentorship has been essential for my development as an artist.
- Sterling Elliott