The annual Detroit contest, including senior and junior divisions, is open to black and Latino US string players

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Eduardo Ríos has won the senior division first prize, worth $50,000, at the 18th Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan. Born in Peru, the 19-year-old violinist is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music at the Colburn School with Robert Lipsett. He is also first violinist of the Alma Quartet and concertmaster of the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles.

Senior division second prize, worth $20,000, was awarded to 23-year-old violist Michael Casimir, while third prize went to 19-year-old violinist Annelle Gregory. In the junior division the first prize, worth $10,000, went to 14-year-old violinist Hannah White, second prize to 16-year-old violist Mira Williams and third prize to 15-year-old violinist Maria Sanderson.

Held annually, the Sphinx Competition is open to junior high, high school, and college-age black and Latino string players residing in the US, with the aim of developing classical music talent in the black and Latino communities. This year's jury panel comprised Chi-chi Nwanoku, Jeffrey Zeigler, John Madison, Karlos Rodriguez, Matthew VanBesien, Philippe Quint, and Stephen Shipps.

Winner of the 2014 competition was 19-year-old double bassist Xavier Foley.

Photo: Glenn Triest

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