Sphinx Competition
29th Annual Sphinx Competition
January 21-24, 2026
Junior Division HONORS CONCERT
FRI | JAN 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Senior Division FINALS CONCERT
SAT| JAN 24, 2026 | 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
2026 Sphinx Competition Jury
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Leon Bosch
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Sterling Elliott
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Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt
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Philippe Quint
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Martin Sher
2026 Collaborative Pianists
Laura Benavides
Elizabeth Hill
Luis Ortiz
Joe Williams
Presented by
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 2026 SPHINX COMPETITION is now closed.
“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
