Three string players from both the junior and senior divisions will compete for a total of more than $100,000 in prizes in the final rounds this weekend

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Junior division finalists: Kai Isoke Ali-Landing, Sonya Moomaw and Jacqueline Rodenbeck

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The semi-finals of the 2025 Sphinx Competition took place at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, MI on 22 and 23 January. Nine string players performed in the junior division (ages 17 and under) semi-finals, while ten string players performed in the senior division (ages 18-30) semi-finals.

Three finalists from each division have been selected to progress to the final rounds. The junior division honours concert will take place on Friday 24 January, while the senior division finals concert will take place on Saturday 25 January.

Junior division finalists (17 and under)

Jacqueline Rodenbeck, violin

Sonya Moomaw, cello

Kai Isoke Ali-Landing, violin

Honourable Mention: Sofia Hernández-Williams, cello

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Senior division finalists: Paul Aguilar, Gabriela Lara and Brendon Elliott

Senior division finalists (ages 18-30)

Brendon Elliott, violin

Paul Aguilar, viola

Gabriela Lara, violin

Honourable Mention: Andres Sanchez, cello

Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, comprised of top professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of more than $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize of $50,000.

The 2025 competition jury comprises Danielle Belen, Joseph Conyers, Charlotte Lee, Joshua Roman, Abhijit Sengupta, Melissa White and Mark Wilson.

2025 marks the 28th edition of the annual Sphinx Competition. Brazilian violinist Nathan Amaral won the senior division in 2024, while Ana Isabella España won the junior division. Previous winners include Njioma Grevious, Joseph Conyers, Melissa White, Elena Urioste and Randall Goosby.

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