SPHINXCONNECT: DISCOVER! And 29TH ANNUAL SPHINX COMPETITION Return In January

The Sphinx Organization will present the 2026 edition of SPHINXCONNECT: DISCOVER! and the 29th Annual SPHINX COMPETITION from January 21–24, 2026 in Detroit, MI. SPHINXCONNECT will include more than 30 sessions ranging from panel discussions to workshops and masterclasses, led by artists, administrators, composers, and performers from across the field. The convening will offer in-person and virtual attendance options, with sessions livestreamed and later archived on YouTube unless otherwise noted.

The Opening Plenary on Thursday, January 22 will feature a performance by Imani Winds and a conversation with Titus Underwood. The Closing Plenary will include composer and conductor Tania León in conversation with Sphinx Founder Aaron P. Dworkin. Additional sessions throughout the weekend will address topics including grantmaking, artist development, organizational leadership, the Black avant-garde, and evolving models for creative practice, with speakers such as George Lewis, Karen Slack, Curtis Stewart, Will Liverman, J’Nai Bridges, and others. Full registration and conference details are available at www.SphinxConnect.org.

Workshops on January 22 will include From Fear to Flow, led by Dr. Zuly Inirio, LSW, focusing on performance anxiety and somatic tools for performers. Quinteto Latino will lead a convening for Latino/a/e and Latin American constituents, and Imani Winds and Titus Underwood will participate in the Opening Plenary later that evening.

From January 21 to January 24, the Sphinx Organization will also host the 29th Annual SPHINX COMPETITION, a national competition for young string musicians. Finalists in both the Junior (17 and under) and Senior (ages 18–30) divisions will perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra under Kalena Bovell, a recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. The competition includes more than $100,000 in prizes, with access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.

Sphinx will present the world premiere of Tiny Galaxies by Rachel McFarlane during both the Honors Concert and the Finals. Excerpts from The Factotum by Will Liverman and DJ King Rico, featuring Melody Betts, will be performed at the Finals.

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 (cello), Liam Thomas (violin), Beatrice Valenzuela (violin), and 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), and Andres Sanchez (cello).

The 2026 Competition jury will include Leon Bosch, Sterling Elliott, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Philippe Quint, and Martin Sher. Former laureates of the Sphinx Competition include Joseph Conyers, Randall Goosby, Tai Murray, and Elena Urioste. The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra includes past and present members of major U.S. orchestras and faculty from leading conservatories and arts institutions.

SPHINXCONNECT: DISCOVER!

January 22–24, 2026
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center | Detroit, MI
Full schedule and registration: www.SphinxConnect.org

29TH ANNUAL SPHINX COMPETITION

January 21–24, 2026
Detroit, MI
Information: www.sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-competition

Junior Division Honors Concert

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Tickets: Free, no ticket required

Senior Division Finals Concert