Many people have a passion for music, but to be able to cultivate that passion at a young age isn’t always a given for everyone.
The Sphinx Organization, which is located in Detroit, focuses on changing that by increasing the representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music.
The organization has dedicated itself to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts and recognition of excellence.
The Sphinx Organization’s programs serve all levels -- from beginner students to seasoned classical music professionals, as well as cultural entrepreneurs and administrators. It’s a space that gives every young person an opportunity to express themselves while they learn classical music, as well as to have their voice heard on and off stage.
The Sphinx Organization isn’t a new concept. It has grown in the last 25 years from a single program -- the Sphinx Competition -- to the movement it is now, with full scholarships for different programs, year-round beginner instruction, summer camps and intensives.
But the Sphinx Organization promotes artistic intelligence and inclusion through so many other ways, such as:
- Year-round tuition-free education and creative youth development.
- Administrative leadership, cultural innovation and entrepreneurship programs.
- The commissioning and performing of new works by Black and Latinx performers.
- Performances and tours of four premiere ensembles and a robust roster of soloists.
The Sphinx Competition
The Sphinx Competition is an annual event and is the Sphinx Organization’s flagship program. It provides Black and Latinx classical string players the opportunity to participate in a national competition that’s held in Detroit.
The young musicians compete for several items, including the chance to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians, all under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges.
Finalists in the competition have the opportunity to win up to $100,000 in prizes, part of which includes the prestigious $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize.
They will also get a chance at performing with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. This year, the orchestra -- directed by Joseph Young -- will perform the world premiere of “Habari Gani for Orchestra,” by composer and cellist Quenton Blache.
Another exciting part of the event is the audience choice awards, where those in attendance can cast their votes by text to select a winner in each division.
The 27th Annual Sphinx Competition will be held 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. Tickets sales start at $5.
Click or tap here to learn more about the Sphinx Competition, get tickets or to donate.
To learn more about the Sphinx and what it has to offer, click here.