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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

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We empower artists by encouraging, developing, and recognizing classical music talent while addressing access and systemic obstacles within our communities:

Sphinx Competition: flagship program for young string musicians

Robert Frederick Smith Prize: $50,000 award bestowed upon the senior winner of the Sphinx Competition Senior Division

Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions: professional audition and advancement experience

National Alliance for Audition Support: Alliance with League of American Orchestras, New World Symphony, 117 orchestras and their unions to prioritize preparation, support and placement while addressing the systemic obstacles and representation in our communities.

 

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“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 Sphinx Competition
1st Place Sr. Laureate
Robert Frederick Smith Prize

  • Mellon Foundation

  • DTE Foundation

  • Bank of America

  • Knight Foundation

  • MacKenzie Scott

  • Fund II Foundation

  • The Turrell Fund

  • Robert F. Smith

  • Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation