2027 Sphinx Competition
Offered by Sphinx Organization
About this scholarship
The 2027 Sphinx Competition is a national performance competition for emerging string musicians, created to celebrate talent and expand career opportunities while addressing barriers affecting Black and Latino communities in classical music. Applications for the 30th annual competition are open through October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and are submitted through Sphinx's official Acceptd portal. The Senior Division is for musicians ages 18 through 30 and offers a $50,000 first-place Robert Frederick Smith Prize with major-orchestra solo appearances, a $20,000 second prize, a $10,000 third prize, and a $5,000 Audience Choice award. The Junior Division is for musicians age 17 or younger and awards $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000 to its top three performers; the junior winner also receives solo appearances. Finalists in both divisions perform with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, and all semifinalists and finalists receive access to additional scholarship and fine-instrument opportunities through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund. Applicants should select the division matching their age, complete the online program requirements, and submit all requested audition material before the deadline. The live competition runs January 20–23, 2027 at Detroit's Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center.
Eligibility
- Be a string musician applying to the national Sphinx Competition
- Apply to the Junior Division if age 17 or younger or the Senior Division if age 18 through 30
- Complete the official 2027 application and all requested audition materials through Acceptd
- Submit the complete application by October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- If selected, be available for the January 20–23, 2027 competition activities in Detroit, Michigan