The Sphinx Competition, Detroit, MI

The Sphinx Competition  presented is held every year (in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan) and is open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latino string players residing in the U.S. The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting. Its primary goals are to encourage, develop and recognize classical music talent in the Black and Latino communities. Selected from a national pool of applicants, 18 Semi-finalists will travel to Detroit and Ann Arbor for five days of competition. Prizes include over $100,000 in scholarships and cash prizes, as well as solo performances with major orchestras nationwide and a performance on National Public Radio’s From the Top.

Founded in 1996 by then University of Michigan graduate student, Aaron Dworkin, the Sphinx Organization has grown from an annual competition for young Black and Latino string players, into a national arts and youth development organization serving over 55,000 students annually. Sphinx has been the subject of two PBS documentaries, and has been featured on CNN, NBC’s Today Show, NPR, and in numerous newspaper and magazine articles.

Sphinx Organization Video Overview:

The Sphinx Competition
Venue: M. Fisher Music Center
Address: 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-877-9100
Official Website: www.sphinxmusic.org
Map & Driving Directions