Semi-finalists announced for Sphinx Competition 2026

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The Sphinx Organization has announced the semi-finalists for its 29th annual Sphinx Competition, which will be held in Detroit, MI, in January 2026.

The competition will be held in two divisions. The Junior division is open to musicians ages 17 and under. Participants will compete for the top prize of $10,000 and solo appearances with major orchestras, followed by second and third prizes of $5,000 and $3,000 respectively.

The Senior division is open to musicians ages 18 to 30. The winner will receive 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 Junior division semi-finalists are:

Ethan Abrahams-Nhliziyo, bass

Kai Isoke Ali-Landing, violin

Ana Chirinos, cello

Sofia Hernandez-Williams, cello

Ayra Karlin, violin

Sonya Moomaw, celloyer, 

Liam Thomas, violin

Beatrice Valenzuela, violin

Alette Williams, violin

The Senior division semi-finalists are:

Taylor Abbitt, bass

Paul Aguilar, viola

Sophie Ayer, violin

Noah Carr, violin

Maxwell Fairman, violin

Miles Goosby, cello

Gavin Hardy, bass

Edward Luengo, cello

Thierry de Lucas Neves, violin

Dora Oliva Devoghel, violin

Andres Sanchez, cello

The 2026 Sphinx Competition jury will comprise Leon Bosch, Sterling Elliott, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Philippe Quint and Martin Sher.

Finalists in both divisions will have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. The Junior division honors concert will be held on Friday 23 January 2026, while the Senior division finals concert will follow on Saturday 24 January 2026, at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, MI.