The Junior and Senior division finalists will now compete in concerts on 23 and 24 January for more than $100,000 in prizes and future performance engagements
The semi-finals of the 29th annual Sphinx Competition were held on 21 and 22 January 2026 in Detroit, MI. 20 musicians performed over two divisions: the Junior division, open to musicians ages 17 and under, and the Senior division, open to musicians ages 18 to 30.
The Junior division finalists are:
Sofia Hernandez-Williams, cello
Alette Williams, violin
Sonya Moomaw, cello
Cellist Ana Chirinos received an Honorable Mention.
The Junior division finalists will perform at a free Honors Concert will be held at 12pm on 23 January at Orchestra Hall in Detroit, where finalists will perform a concerto with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. The top prize comprises $10,000 and solo appearances with major orchestras, followed by second and third prizes of $5,000 and $3,000 respectively.
The Senior division finalists are:
Sophie Ayer, violin
Andres Sanchez, cello
Taylor Abbitt, bass
Violist Paul Aguilar received an Honorable Mention.
The Senior division finalists will perform at the Finals Concert at 7:30pm on 24 January. Contestants will compete for the Robert Frederick Smith Prize of $50,000, as well as solo appearances with major orchestras. Second and third places will receive $20,000 and $10,000 respectively, with an Audience Choice award also up for grabs, worth $5,000.
The 2026 Sphinx Competition jury comprises Leon Bosch, Sterling Elliott, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Philippe Quint and Martin Sher.
No comments yet