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HOME | PROGRAMS - Artist Development | Sphinx Competition


SPHINX COMPETITION




28TH ANNUAL SPHINX COMPETITION
JANUARY 22-25, 2025

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit (MI), is a national
competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to
compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to
perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians.

Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx
Symphony Orchestra, the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top
professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of nearly
$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

____________

Andre Dowell, Chief Programming Officer


 PRESENTED BY

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Kevin Kennedy


APPLICATION INFORMATION



Applications for the Sphinx Competition are processed through our online Acceptd
portal.

For eligibility and application requirements, please review the information
below.

 



Eligibility

TO APPLY TO THE SPHINX COMPETITION:

 1. Instrument categories are Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.

 2. Participants in the Junior Division must not have reached their 18th
    birthday by February 1, 20245. Participants in the Senior Division must be
    at least 18 years old but not have reached their 31st birthday by February
    1, 2025.

 3. Participants must be a U.S. resident or have a valid U.S visa at the time of
    applying and performing during the final rounds of the junior and senior
    division. For questions about eligibility, please contact
    Competition@SphinxMusic.org.

 4. Participants must not have been a 1st Place Winner in their division in any
    previous Sphinx Competition.
    
    APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCT. 20, 2024

Application Requirements

2025 APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCT. 20, 2024
(NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED PAST THE DEADLINE)

ONLINE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

 1. Video audition – Please refer to the audition requirements for the
    applicable division and instrument

 2. Current biography

 3. High resolution headshot. Minimum 300dpi. (Professional photography not
    required)

AUDITION VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

 1. Each video file should contain only one piece. You may choose to submit
    contrasting Bach pieces as a single video file or as separate video files.

 2. Videos must not be edited in any way.

 3. Piano accompaniment is recommended, but not required.

 4. The applicant must remain on screen at all times.

 5. Videos uploaded must be smaller than one gigabyte (1 GB) in size.

 6. Please allow sufficient time to prepare and upload videos.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need an Acceptd account to apply.

 * navigate to app.getacceptd.com/signup

 * Create your account using your email and create a password

 * Fill out all necessary info and then click "Create Account"

 Once signed into your Acceptd account, navigate to sphinxmusic.getacceptd.com
and select Sphinx Competition from the dropdown on the left side of the page. 

Repertoire Requirements


NEW REPERTOIRE ANNOUNCED!

2025 SPHINX COMPETITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Need help locating repertoire? Get help locating repertoire.

PRELIMINARIES REPERTOIRE

JUNIOR DIVISION

Violin

 1. Mozart, Concerto for Violin No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, Movement I: Allegro 

 2. Choose one from the following
    –  William Grant Still, Summerland
    –  William Grant Still, Quit dat Fool’nish
    –  Traditional (arr. Jesus Florido), Ballada Española (Romance)

 3. Piece of choice

Viola

 1. Hoffmeister, Viola Concerto in D major, Movement I: Allegro

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  William Grant Still, Here’s One
    –  Piazzolla (arr. John Madison), Oblivion
    –  Traditonal (arr. Lawrence Brown), one selection from the “Five Negro Folk
    Songs”

 3. Piece of choice

Cello

 1. Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob.VIIb:1, Movement I: Moderato

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Lamentations "Black/Folk Song Suite",
    Movement II:  Song Form
    –  Villa-Lobos, O Canto De Cisne Negro (Song of the Black Swan)
    –  Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), one selection from the “Five Negro
    Folk Songs”

 3. Piece of choice

Bass

 1. Koussevitsky, Bass Concerto in F-sharp minor, Op. 3, Movement I: Allegro
    (Solo Tuning; F# minor)

 2. Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), two selections from the “Five Negro Folk
    Songs”

 3. Piece of choice

SENIOR DIVISION

Violin

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Solo Sonatas (3 sonatas ONLY. *Chaconne
    from Partita No. 2 may be performed in place of the 2 contrasting movements
    from the Sonatas*)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  William Grant Still, Suite for Violin and Piano – pick one movement
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Blue/s Forms – pick one movement

 3. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Concerto for Violin in G Minor, op. 80, Movement I:
    Allegro Maestoso

Viola

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Viola transcription) OR Bach
    Sonatas and Partitas (viola transcription)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Adolphus Hailstork, Romances for Viola and Piano, Romance No. 2 - Amoroso
    –  William Grant Still, Carmela

 3. Christian Colberg, Viola Concerto, Movement III: Sancho

Cello

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Marlos Nobre, Poema
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Lamentations "Black/Folk Song Suite",
    Movement IV: Moto Perpetuo
    –  David Baker, Sonata for Cello and Piano, Movement I

 3. Ricardo Castro, Cello Concerto, Movement III

Bass

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Solo Tuning)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    
    - Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), “Five Negro Folk Songs” (all movements)
    - Xavier Foley, Etude No. 3 "Lament" for solo double bass

 3. Andres Martin, Concerto for Bass No. 1, Movement III. Allegro Obsesivo



SEMI-FINALS REPERTOIRE (Live with Piano. All repertoire must be performed from
memory)

JUNIOR DIVISION

Violin

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin

 2. Choose one from the following
    –  William Grant Still, Summerland
    –  William Grant Still, Quit dat Fool’nish
    –  Traditional (arr. Jesus Florido) Ballada Española (Romance)

 3. Mozart, Concerto for Violin No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, Movement I: Allegro

Viola

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Viola transcription) OR Bach
    Sonatas and Partitas (viola transcription)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  William Grant Still, Here’s One
    –  Piazzolla, Oblivion (arr.  John Madison)
    –  Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), a selection from the ”Five Negro Folk
    Songs”

 3. Hoffmeister, Viola Concerto in D major, Movement I: Allegro

Cello

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Lamentations "Black/Folk Song Suite",
    Movement II:  Song Form
    –  Villa-Lobos, O Canto De Cisne Negro (Song of the Black Swan)
    –  Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), a selection from the “Five Negro Folk
    Songs”

 3. Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob.VIIb:1, Movement I: Moderato

Bass

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Solo Tuning)

 2. Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), two selections from “Five Negro Folk
    Songs”

 3. Koussevitsky, Bass Concerto in F-sharp minor, Op. 3, Movement I: Allegro
    (Solo Tuning; F# minor) 



SENIOR DIVISION

Violin

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Solo Sonatas (3 sonatas ONLY. *Chaconne
    from Partita No. 2 may be performed in place of the 2 contrasting movements
    from the Sonatas*)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  William Grant Still, Suite for Violin and Piano – pick one movement
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Blue/s Forms – pick one movement

 3. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Concerto for Violin in G Minor, op. 80, Movement I:
    Allegro Maestoso

Viola

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Viola transcription) OR Bach
    Sonatas and Partitas (viola transcription)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Adolphus Hailstork, Romances for Viola and Piano, Romance No. 2 - Amoroso
    –  William Grant Still, Carmela

 3. Christian Colberg, Viola Concerto, Movement III: Sancho

Cello

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites

 2. Choose one from the following:
    –  Marlos Nobre, Poema
    –  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Lamentations "Black/Folk Song Suite",
    Movement IV: Moto Perpetuo
    –  David Baker, Sonata for Cello and Piano, Movement I

 3. Ricardo Castro, Cello Concerto, Movement III

Bass

 1. Two contrasting movements of Bach Cello Suites (Solo Tuning)

 2. Choose one from the following:
    
    - Traditional (arr. Lawrence Brown), “Five Negro Folk Songs” (2 movements
    ONLY)
    
    - Xavier Foley, Etude No. 3 "Lament" for solo double bass

 3. Andres Martin, Concerto for Bass No. 1, Movement III. Allegro Obsesivo

 

FINALS REPERTOIRE (Live with Orchestra. All repertoire must be performed from
memory)

JUNIOR DIVISION 

Violin –  Mozart, Concerto for Violin No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, Movement I:
Allegro

Viola – Hoffmeister, Viola Concerto in D major, Movement I: Allegro

Cello – Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob.VIIb:1, Movement I: Moderato

Bass – Koussevitsky, Bass Concerto in F-sharp minor, Op. 3, Movement I: Allegro
(Solo Tuning; F# minor)


SENIOR DIVISION

Violin – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Concerto for Violin in G Minor, op. 80,
Movement I: Allegro Maestoso

Viola – Christian Colberg, Viola Concerto, Movement III: Sancho

Cello – Ricardo Castro, Cello Concerto, Movement III

Bass – Andres Martin, Concerto for Bass No. 1, Movement III. Allegro Obsesivo

FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to perform from memory for the audition?

A: No, the Preliminary Round does not need to be performed from memory. Once you
advance to the live rounds, memorization is required.

Q: Do I need to perform with an accompanist?

A: No, an accompanist is not required for the Preliminary Round

Q: Do I need a professional studio quality audio and video recording?

A: 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.

Q: Can I begin my application one day and come back the next?
A: Yes, you may begin your application and come back at a later date or time to
complete. Your information will be saved for you to submit prior to the final
deadline.

Q: May I apply to the competition on multiple instruments

Yes, if you play 2 instruments(Violin and Viola for example), you may apply on
both instruments.

Q: When will I find out the results?

A: Results will be sent out via email approximately 3 weeks following the
deadline

Q: Does Sphinx offer feedback during the Preliminary Round?

A: Unfortunately Sphinx does not offer feedback during the Preliminary Round.
Feedback is only offered during the live Semi Finals and Finals round.

Q: Can I apply if I was a previous winner of the Sphinx Competition?

A: Honorable mention, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Audience Choice Award winners
may re-apply if they have not place 1st in that specific division. 1st place
winners of a division may not re-apply for that division.

Q: Is there benefit to applying even if I’m not selected for the Semi-Finals
round?

Yes, musicians may still be informed of eligible programs from Sphinx. You may
be asked to perform as a section member of our Sphinx Honors Orchestra to
perform during the Jr. Division Finals, automatically selected to participate in
Sphinx Orchestral Partners Audition, or selected as a Fellow for SphinxConnect
where you can experience the competition live.

Q: Other than performing in the competition rounds, are there other activities
that are required for participants?
A: Yes, because the Sphinx Competition is a holistic experience that is intended
to enhance and enrich your musical career, all activities that appear on the
itinerary you will receive are mandatory. These may include masterclasses,
luncheons, panel discussions, or networking events.

For More Information

For further questions about the Sphinx Competition, please contact:

Andre Dowell
Chief Programming Officer
734-474-9208
Andre@SphinxMusic.org


 



2024 Senior Division Laureates


 * 1ST PLACE, ROBERT FREDERICK SMITH PRIZE - NATHAN AMARAL
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
   Get to Know Me Video


 * 2ND PLACE - AARON OLGUIN
   
   Bass
   Hometown: The Colony, TX
   Get to Know Me Video


 * 3RD PLACE - BETHLEHEM KELLEY
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Lenexa, KS
   Get to Know Me Video

2024 Junior Division Laureates


 * ANA ISABELLA ESPAÑA - 1ST PLACE
   
   Violin
   Hometown: New York, NY
   Get to Know Me Video


 * REBECCA BEATO - 2ND PLACE
   
   Violin
   Forest Hills, NY
   Get to Know Me Video


 * SONYA MOOMAW - 3RD PLACE
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
   Get to Know Me Video



2024 Junior Division Semi-Finalists


 * REBECCA BEATO
   
   Violin
   Forest Hills, NY
   Get to Know Me Video


 * NOAH CARR
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Portland, OR
   Get to Know Me Video


 * ANTHONY DORSEY
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
   Get to Know Me Video


 * QUINCY ALEXANDER EBY
   
   Viola
   Hometown: Englewood, NJ
   Get to Know Me Video
   


 * ANA ISABELLA ESPAÑA
   
   Violin
   Hometown: New York, NY
   Get to Know Me Video


 * SONYA MOOMAW
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
   Get to Know Me Video


 * GABRIELA SALVADOR RIERA
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Wilmington, DE
   Get to Know Me Video


 * JAN VARGAS NEDVETSKY
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Wilmette, IL
   Get to Know Me Video


 * CATALINA WOOLDRIDGE
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Rochester, NY
   Get to Know Me Video

2024 Senior Semi-Finalists


 * NATHAN AMARAL
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
   Get to Know Me Video


 * VICTOR DANIEL DIAZ SANCHEZ
   
   Viola
   Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
   Get to Know Me Video


 * JULIMAR VICTORIA GONZALEZ LEON
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Maracay, Venezuela
   Get to Know Me Video


 * BETHLEHEM KELLEY
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Lenexa, KS
   Get to Know Me Video


 * EDWARD LUENGO
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Miami, FL
   Get to Know Me Video


 * CHRISTIAN LUEVANO
   
   Double Bass
   Hometown: Denton, TX
   Get to Know Me Video


 * VIRGIL MOORE
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
   Get to Know Me Video


 * AARON OLGUIN
   
   Double Bass
   Hometown: The Colony, TX
   Get to Know Me Video


 * ANDRES SANCHEZ
   
   Cello
   Hometown: Lansdale, PA
   Get to Know Me Video


 * NAZEEH SHAHID
   
   Viola
   Hometown: Chicago, IL
   Get to Know Me Video


 * HANNAH WHITE
   
   Violin
   Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
   Get to Know Me Video

2024 Sphinx Competition Jury


 * JOSEPH CONYERS
   
   www.JosephConyers.com


 * RANDALL GOOSBY
   
   www.RandallGoosby.com


 * ALASDAIR TAIT
   
   YCAT.co.uk


 * GEORGE TAYLOR
   
   


 * ELENA URIOSTE
   
   www.ElenaUrioste.com


 * SETH PARKER WOODS
   
   www.SethParkerWoods.com


 * JOHN ZION
   
   MKIArtists.com

Past Jury Members
Competition Alumni by Year
Competition Alumni by Instrument

 


“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

 

 ROBERT F. SMITH

 * 
 * 
 * 

 
 
 
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SPHINX ORGANIZATION
2200 Hunt St Ste 461
Detroit MI 48207
313-542-5200
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

© 2024 Sphinx Organization

Education and Access



INTRODUCTORY STRING PROGRAM
Sphinx Overture

SUMMER INTENSIVES
Sphinx Performance Academy

Artist Development



NATIONAL ANNUAL COMPETITION
Sphinx Competition
Robert Frederick Smith Prize

ORCHESTRAL TRACK
National Alliance for Audition Support
Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions



Performing Artists



SOLO TRACK
Soloist Program
Global Scholars

CHAMBER MUSIC
Sphinx Virtuosi
Catalyst Quartet
Harlem Quartet

ORCHESTRAL TRACK
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra

VOCAL TRACK
EXIGENCE

For information on booking these one-of-a-kind soloists and ensembles, please
visit the pages above.

Arts Leadership



ANNUAL GLOBAL CONVENING
SphinxConnect

GRANT AND AWARD PROGRAMS
Medals of Excellence
MPower Artist Grants

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
Sphinx LEAD

 

WHAT WE DO

Our Work
Our Impact
Our History
Annual Report
Alumni Testimonials
Press and Media

OUR TEAM

Staff and Faculty
Founder
Boards
Partners

CONNECT WITH US

Contact Us
Subscribe and Engage

 

ARTIST RESOURCES

Job Postings
NAAS Musician Database Signup
Fellowships
Scholarships
Online Content and Community

FIELD RESOURCES

Post a Job
NAAS Musician Database
Composers and Repertoire
NAAS Recommended Audition and Tenure Guidelines (PDF)


FIND PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

Sphinx Calendar

 

Ways to Give
Individual Giving
Institutional Giving
Sphinx Gala
Our Supporters
Get Involved

 
Make a Gift

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