2020 Sphinx Competition Laureates Announced

February 9, 2020, 2:45 PM · Congratulations to laureates in the 23st Annual Sphinx Competition in Michigan!

Click here to view the Finals Concert, which took place Saturday in Detroit's Orchestra Hall, with Senior Division finalists performing with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.

The Sphinx Competition is open to all junior high, high school, and college-age Black and Latino string players residing in the United States. Jury members for 2020 are Beverly Kane Baker, Lena Fankhauser, Pamela Frank, Bella Hristova, Charlotte Lee, Joel Krosnick and Tito Muñoz.

Senior Division Laureates (Age 18-30):

First Place ($50,000): Gabriel Martins, cello
New England Conservatory of Music
Second Place ($20,000): Aaron Olguin, bass
University of North Texas
Third Place ($10,000): Jordan Bak, viola
The Juilliard School
Audience Choice ($5,000): Aaron Olguin, bass

Sphinx Competition Senior Division Laureates Jordan Bak, Gabriel Martins, and Aaron Olguin. Photo by Craig Gorkiewicz.

Junior Division Laureates (Age 17 and under):

First Place ($10,000) Esme Arias-Kim, violin
Plum Grove Jr. High School (Illinois)
Second Place ($5,000): Brandon Leonard, cello
Chamblee Charter High School (Georgia)
Third Place ($3,000): Sophia Ayer, violin
Austin High School (Texas)