The honourees received their medals, plus a $50,000 career grant each, on 2 April
The three recipients of the 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence were officially honoured on 2 April. This year’s recipients were announced in August 2024 and comprise violinist/composer Curtis Stewart, soprano Gabriella Reyes and pianist Clayton Stephenson.
The Sphinx Medal of Excellence is the highest honour bestowed by the Sphinx Organization, recognising extraordinary leaders in the classical music field who are transforming lives while addressing the systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities.
Along with a $50,000 career grant, Sphinx annually awards the Medals of Excellence to three artists who, early in their career, demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination, and an ongoing commitment to leadership and their communities.
Stewart commented on receiving his medal and grant: ’Previous recipients of this medal have been friends, colleagues, and personal musical heroes - I have spoken to them and looked to their output, ideas, career path, personal vibe, and general work ethich to inform and inspire my own.
’I am incredibly honoured to receive this medal; it sparks deep encouragement and a new-found responsibility to walk forward with assurance, energy, and to sharpen and steady my vision for the short, intermediate, and long-term goals of “carving-space” in classical music.’
Previous string recipients from recent years include cellists Sterling Elliott and Tommy Mesa, violinist Randall Goosby and violinist/composer Jessie Montgomery.
Listen: The Strad Podcast #67: Curtis Stewart on Julia Perry’s Violin Concerto
Read: ‘Grief never seems to go away’: violinist and composer Curtis Stewart
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