Sphinx Competition

Next edition

Edition

2027

Dates

January 20-23, 2027

Location

Detroit, MI (Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center)

Source: sphinxmusic.org

Overview

The Sphinx Competition is a national competition for string players, run by the Sphinx Organization in Detroit. It has Junior and Senior divisions and culminates in finals concerts with orchestra.

Organiser

Sphinx Organization

Instruments

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Category

Solo violin, Solo viola, Solo cello, Solo double bass

Age limits

Senior division 18-30; Junior division 17 and under

Jury & prizes

Jury

• Joseph Conyers
• Zuill Bailey
• Stefan Jackiw
• Jennifer Stumm
• Maria Catalina Prieto

Prizes

• Senior: 1st $50,000 plus solo appearances with major orchestras; 2nd $20,000; 3rd $10,000; Audience Choice $5,000
• Junior: 1st $10,000 plus orchestra appearances; 2nd $5,000; 3rd $3,000

Past editions

To protect minors, we do not show the names of winners in categories open to under-18s. Category, age range and prize are always shown.

• 2026 — Detroit, MI source
  Senior Division · ages 18–30

  • 1st prize — Andres Sanchez (cello)
  • 2nd prize — Sophie Ayer (violin)
  • 3rd prize — Taylor Abbitt (double bass)

  Junior Division · ages 17 and under

  • 1st prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)
  • 2nd prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)
  • 3rd prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)