Annual Sphinx Competition

The 30th Annual Sphinx Competition is scheduled for January 20-23, 2027, held in Detroit, Michigan. The top prize in the Senior Division is the Robert Frederick Smith Prize. 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. Scholarship Details • Senior Division (ages 18–30): 1st place receives $50,000 (the Robert Frederick Smith Prize) and concert engagements; 2nd place $20,000; 3rd place $10,000; Audience Choice $5,000 • Junior Division (ages 17 and under): 1st place receives $10,000 and performance opportunities; 2nd place $5,000; 3rd place $3,000 • Additional prizes include 2nd, 3rd, and Audience Choice awards in both divisions Eligibility Criteria • Open to Black and Latino string musicians residing in the U.S. • Junior Division: Ages 17 and under • Senior Division: Ages 18–30 • Must play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass) Application Process 1. Review eligibility and application requirements on the Sphinx Competition website 2. Submit an application including performance videos and supporting documents 3. Selected applicants compete in the semi-final round in Detroit, MI 4. Finalists perform live with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra The Preliminary Round does not need to be performed from memory. Once you advance to the live rounds, memorization is required. While you want to create the best audio/visual possible, you may use whatever device you have available to you. Keep in mind that you'll want to use good lighting so we can see you and a quiet room with no distractions so we can hear you clearly.