In its ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and excellence in classical music, the Sphinx Organization, in partnership with Detroit PBS, is presenting its 28^th annual competition and conference in downtown Detroit with the support of the DTE Foundation.

“Music is a powerful tool for connection and change, and our organization intentionally takes a leadership role to advocate for and inspire opportunity for young classical artists, doing our part to help create lasting, positive change in the world,” said Sphinx Chief Programming Officer Andre Dowell. “We are fortunate to have a long-standing partnership with Detroit PBS that bolsters our efforts. Thanks to the station’s belief in our mission, this collaboration has expanded our audience and brought more awareness to the organization.”

The famed contest offers young Black and Latinx classical string players an opportunity to compete and perform under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges that, in addition to adjudicating the competition, mentors the participants.

Six finalists – three each from the Junior (aged 17 and under) and Senior (aged 18 to 30) divisions – have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. The competition this year will be judged by: Danielle Belen, Joseph Conyers, Charlotte Lee, Joshua Roman, Abhijit Sengupta, Melissa White and Mark Wilson.

In the Junior division, the first prize winner will receive $10,000 and concert engagements; second prize receives $5,000 and third prize $3,000.

In the Senior division, the winner will be awarded the $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize as well as concert engagements; second prize is $20,000 and third prize is $10,000. In addition, the audience choice prize of $5,000 goes to a  finalist chosen by viewers via text during intermission.

Each semi-finalist in both categories will also have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Organization’s Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.

The Honors Concert for the Junior division finalists will be livestreamed by Detroit PBS on Friday, January 24, beginning at noon on Facebook and YouTube; the Finals Concert for Senior Division finalists will stream on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube. The Finals Concert will include a special performance. Under the direction of Lina Gonzalez-Granados, the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra will present the world premiere of “Daydreaming for Orchestra” by Michigan native and twice Emmy-nominated, Levi Taylor.

On February 10 at 10 p.m., the Finals Concert will also air on Detroit PBS’ main channel (56.1) and on Facebook.

On the days leading up to the concert performances, the Sphinx Organization will host SphinxConnect Ignite!, from  January 23-25. The conference is the largest and longest-standing global convening dedicated to excellence and inclusion in classical music. It presents 30 sessions designed to inspire and ignite action and spark collaboration, featuring more than 90 speakers and keynote addresses by luminaries and trailblazers in the arts.

To reduce barriers to access, SphinxConnect Ignite! 2025 will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options with a “choose what you pay” model. Visit https://www.sphinxconnect.org/ for details.