Three finalists were chosen in both the junior and senior divisions

 

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Photo: Brian Hatton

Senior division finalists (l-r) Nathan Amaral, Bethlehem Kelley, Aaron Olguin

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The semi-finals of the 2024 Sphinx Competition took place at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan on 25 January. Nine string players performed in the junior division semi-final and a record eleven performed in the senior division. Three finalists were chosen in each division, as well as honourable mentions. The finalists are the following: 

JUNIOR (ages 17 and under)

Rebecca Beato, violin 

Ana Isabella España, violin

Sonya Moomaw, cello

Honourable mention: Noah Carr, violin 

SENIOR (ages 18 to 30)

Bethlehem Kelley, violin

Aaron Olguin, bass

Nathan Amaral, violin

Honourable mentions: Victor Diaz, viola, and Andres Sanchez, cello

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Photo: Brian Hatton

Junior division finalists (l-r) Rebecca Beato, Sonya Moomaw, Ana Isabella España

The junior division finalists will perform in the Max M. Fisher Music Center on 26 January. They are competing for a $10,000 first prize, which also comes with concert engagements. Second prize comes with $5,000 while third place is worth $3,000.

The senior division finals will also take place at the music center on the evening of 27 January. The winner will receive the $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize and solo performances with major orchestras. Second place receives $20,000, third place receives $10,000, and the audience prize is worth $5,000. 

This is the 27th edition of the Sphinx Competition: the flagship event of the Sphinx Organization. The competition allows young Black and Latinx string players to compete in front of an internationally renowned panel and receive mentorship from industry professionals. 

The 2024  jury comprises Joseph ConyersRandall Goosby, Alasdair Tait, George Taylor, Elena UriosteSeth Parker Woods and John Zion. 

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