The Sphinx Organization has announced the young musicians selected for the Semi-Final Round of the 29th Annual Sphinx Competition, which will take place from 21 to 24 January 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The announcement was made on 18 November 2025.
Founded in 1998, the Sphinx Competition is a leading national competition in the United States dedicated to supporting and advancing Black and Latinx classical string players. Over nearly three decades, it has become one of the most influential platforms for emerging string musicians, combining artistic excellence with a strong commitment to inclusion and representation.
Semi-final round and SphinxConnect
The 2026 semi-final round will take place in conjunction with SphinxConnect: Discover!, the Sphinx Organization’s annual conference on excellence and inclusion in classical music. The conference will feature more than 30 sessionsand will be hosted at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, bringing together performers, educators, industry leaders, and advocates from across the classical music community.
Senior Division Semi-Finalists (2026)
The following musicians have been selected as Senior Division Semi-Finalists:
-
Taylor Abbitt, double bass
-
Paul Aguilar, viola
-
Sophie Ayer, violin
-
Noah Carr, violin
-
Maxwell Fairman, violin
-
Miles Goosby, cello
-
Gavin Hardy, double bass
-
Edward Luengo, cello
-
Thierry de Lucas Neves, violin
-
Dora Oliva Devoghel, violin
-
Andres Sanchez, cello
Junior Division Semi-Finalists (2026)
The Junior Division Semi-Finalists are:
-
Ethan Abrahams-Nhliziyo, double bass
-
Kai Isoke Ali-Landing, violin
-
Ana Chirinos, cello
-
Sofia Hernandez-Williams, cello
-
Ayra Karlin, violin
-
Sonya Moomaw, cello
-
Liam Thomas, violin
-
Beatrice Valenzuela, violin
-
Alette Williams, violin
Finals, prizes, and orchestra performances
Finalists in both divisions will have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kalena Bovell, recipient of the 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence.
Competitors will vie for more than USD $100,000 in prizes, in addition to scholarships and access to fine instruments through the Sphinx Musical Assistance Fund.
2026 jury panel
The 2026 Sphinx Competition Jury brings together distinguished performers and arts leaders:
-
Leon Bosch, conductor and soloist
-
Sterling Elliott, former Sphinx laureate
-
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt
-
Philippe Quint
-
Martin Sher, Vice President and Chief Artistic & Operating Officer of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
A legacy of impact
Past laureates of the Sphinx Competition include many artists who have gone on to significant international careers, among them Tai Murray, Joseph Conyers, Melissa White, Elena Urioste, Randall Goosby, Jessie Montgomery, Xavier Foley, Jordan Bak, and Njioma Grevious.
As the 2026 competition approaches, the newly announced semi-finalists represent the next generation of artists poised to contribute to—and reshape—the future of classical music.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
