Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions

SOPA transforms lives by providing aspiring orchestral musicians the unique opportunity for professional auditions, pre-advancements, placement on substitute and contractor lists, while addressing the historic lack of representation on stage. Initiated and designed by Weston Sprott and Titus Underwood in partnership with the Sphinx Organization, the ultimate goal of the SOPA initiative is job placement and assisting American orchestras in better reflecting our communities.

Excerpt Competition
Invited instrumentalists will have a chance to not only play for a panel of musicians representing dozens of orchestras for placement opportunities, but also to compete for cash prizes ranging from $250 to $3,500.

Round 1 of SOPA activities will be a digital upload submission on November 2, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET), and Round 2 is a live audition that will take place during the Sphinx Convening on January 21st 2026, in Detroit, MI.

Applications will be open to the following instrument categories: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Timpani, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Harp

Prizes

Every instrument will have a prize winner! Invited candidates will first compete against players of their own instrument during Round 1. The most outstanding candidate from each instrument category will win $250. Those that qualify will advance to Round 2 to compete for the first and second prizes in instrument-group categories.

Dates

Round 1 (November 2, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET))
Outstanding Instrumentalist – $250 awards will be given to outstanding instrumentalists in each instrument category based on Round 1 performances. 

Round 2 (live audition on January 21, 2026 during the Sphinx Convening in Detroit, MI)
First Prize – $3,500 award will be awarded to the winners of the Woodwinds, Strings and Harp, and Brass and Percussion categories respectively
Second Prize – $1,000 award will be awarded to the runner-ups of the Woodwinds, Strings and Harp, and Brass and Percussion categories respectively 

NOTE - Previous First Prize winners will not advance to the final round of SOPA. However, if you have won the top prize in a previous year, you will still be permitted to submit an audition recording for Round 1 so that you can be heard by dozens of orchestral representatives from upwards of 80+ orchestras all over the country to be considered for hiring opportunities next season.

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Bill Neri, Director of Ensemble Advancement