Sphinx Competition

30th Annual Sphinx Competition
January 20-23, 2027

Junior Division HONORS CONCERT

FRI | JAN 22, 2027 | 12:00 PM

Senior Division FINALS CONCERT

SAT| JAN 23, 2027 | 7:30 PM

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Detroit MI

The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit (MI), is a national competition for string musicians, that transforms lives by celebrating the artistic talent, providing career advancement opportunities and addressing systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities.

Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, comprised of top professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of more than $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.

All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.

Prizes

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
2nd Place – $5,000
3rd Place – $3,000

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Andre Dowell, Chief Programming Officer

Photo credit: Brian Hatton

Application Information

Applications for the Sphinx Competition are processed through our online Acceptd portal.

For eligibility and application requirements, please review the information below.

The application for 2027 Competition will open in the spring of 2026.

2026 Sphinx Competition Jury

2026 Collaborative Pianists

Laura Benavides

Laura Benavides

Read Bio

Elizabeth Hill

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Luis Ortiz

Joe Williams

Joe Williams

 Presented by

2026 Senior Division Laureates

2026 Junior Division Laureates

Competition Alumni by Year
Competition Alumni by Instrument
Past Competition Jury Members
 

“I’m deeply honored and grateful to the Sphinx organization for being the lighthouse for many young artists like me, who are looking with an open heart for an opportunity to share the purest essence of humanity through music. By winning the 24th Annual Sphinx Competition, I have been able to increase my impact and to continue with my artistic purpose of educating and sharing with the young generations the art of violin playing.”

— Samuel Vargas
2021 1st Place Sr. Laureate
Robert Frederick Smith Prize

 

 Robert F. Smith