Sphinx transforms lives through the power of the arts.

Detroit, MI
2000 brought a major new addition to the Sphinx Competition ✨ Cellist Jared Snyder earned First Place in the Junior Division that year, while Sphinx also assembled the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra for the first time to perform alongside Competition laureates. 💛 Comment NEXT30 to support the next 30 years! 🎶 Jared Snyder, cello, performing Haydn: Cello Concerto in C Major, I. Moderato #Sphinx30
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Congratulations to Tomas Garcia, named Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra ✨ Tomas shared that Sphinx support helped him purchase audition scores and gain experience through earlier opportunities that strengthened his preparation. 💬 Comment NAAS to learn more about the National Alliance for Audition Support! #NAAS #SphinxOrganization
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One last retreat in St. Louis 💙 From Nov. 3–6, Sphinx LEAD Cohort 7 gathered at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (@OTSL) to close out their two-year journey, reflecting on how far they’ve come as leaders. Thank you to OTSL for welcoming our LEADers and hosting this final retreat. 💬 Want to learn more about Sphinx LEAD? Comment LEAD and we’ll send you the details! #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership
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Long before Sphinx had 30 years of history, it was still an ambitious idea being shared one conversation at a time. At the 1999 Sphinx Competition, Dr. Willis Patterson reflected on hearing Aaron Dworkin’s vision in those early years. His message to Aaron: “May you please gain great strength, and keep on keeping on.” 💛 Comment NEXT30 to support what comes next! #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition
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In 1999, Carl St. Jacques earned Third Place in the Senior Division at the 2nd Annual Sphinx Competition 🎻 Three decades later, performances like this help bring the Competition’s earliest years back into view and show just how much history has grown from them. 💛 Comment NEXT30 to be part of the next 30 years! 🎶 Carl St. Jacques, viola performing Carl Maria von Weber: Adagio & Rondo Ongarese #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition
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1999 was only year two of the Sphinx Competition 🎻 Violinist Ilmar Gavilán earned Second Place in the Senior Division, becoming part of the early history of a Competition that would grow for decades. 💛 Comment NEXT30 to be part of the next 30 years! 🎶 Ilmar Gavilan, violin performing Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition
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Back to 1999 📽️ Cellist Tahirah Whittington earned First Place in the Senior Division at the 2nd Annual Sphinx Competition. 💛 Comment NEXT30 to be part of the next 30 years! 🎶 Tahirah Whittington, cello performing Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, III. Molto allegro #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition
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Sometimes SphinxConnect is about who you meet. Sometimes it’s about who you get to see again 💙 For Kirk Johnson of Sounds Academy, both are part of the experience. 📍 Detroit | Jan. 21–23 💬 Comment CONNECT for registration details! #SphinxConnect #MusicEducation #ArtsLeadership #SphinxOrganization
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One year after the first Sphinx Competition, the story was already growing ✨ In 1999, cellist Samuel Johnson earned First Place in the Junior Division at the 2nd Annual Competition. 💛 Want to be part of the next 30 years? Comment NEXT30 and we’ll share how. 🎶 Samuel Johnson, cello, performing Haydn: Cello Concerto in C Major, I. Moderato #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition #SamuelJohnson #Cello #SphinxOrganization
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Congratulations to Jamieon Gilmore, who won a tuba position with the United States Navy Fleet Band! 🎉 The South Carolina native credits support through NAAS and his experience at SphinxConnect 2026 as important parts of his audition preparation. Congratulations, Jamieon! 💬 Want to learn more about NAAS? Comment NAAS and we’ll send you the details! #NAAS #SphinxOrganization
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Another one from the 1998 Sphinx Competition archive 🎻 Violinist Melissa White earned Third Place at the inaugural Competition, performing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra under guest conductor Michael Morgan. 💬 Comment NEXT30 to support Sphinx’s next 30 years. 🎶 Melissa White is performing Suite for Violin & Piano: II. Mother and Child by William Grant Still #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition #MelissaWhite #SphinxOrganization
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That’s a wrap on the Sphinx Virtuosi fall tour 🎻💛 Thank you to everyone who joined us along the way. We’re back on the road in February 2027 with stops in Boston, Andover, Durham, Phoenix, Chicago + Bellevue. 💬 Comment TOUR for spring dates and ticket info! #SphinxVirtuosi
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At the first Sphinx Competition in 1998, two violinists shared First Place 🎻 Christina Castelli was one of them, performing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra under guest conductor Michael Morgan. That first Competition became the beginning of a tradition that continues nearly 30 years later. 💬 Comment NEXT30 to support Sphinx’s next 30 years! 🎶 Christina Castelli is performing Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26, III. Finale (Allegro energico) by Max Bruch #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition #ChristinaCastelli #SphinxOrganization
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Who might you meet at SphinxConnect? 💙 For Matthew Fox of Sounds Academy, the chance to connect with new people, exchange ideas, and learn from others across the field is a big part of why he shows up. 📍 Detroit | Jan. 21–23 💬 Comment CONNECT for registration details! #SphinxConnect #MusicEducation #ArtsLeadership #SphinxOrganization
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In 1998, this was the beginning...✨ Violinist Tai Murray tied for First Place at the very first Sphinx Competition, performing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra under guest conductor Michael Morgan. Nearly 30 years later, we’re returning to where the story started. 💬 Comment NEXT30 to support Sphinx’s next 30 years! 🎶 Tai Murray is performing Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26, III. Finale (Allegro energico) #Sphinx30 #SphinxCompetition #TaiMurray #SphinxOrganization
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Congratulations to Dr. Ian Saunders, a Sphinx LEADer from Cohort 4, on being named CEO of the Community Music Center of Boston 🎉 Ian credits the LEAD mentor and peer network as an important part of his growth as an executive leader. 💬 Want to learn more about Sphinx LEAD? Comment LEAD and we’ll send you the details. #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership
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Oklahoma, save October 27 🎻 Sphinx Virtuosi brings American Dialogues 250 to the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation later this month. 📍 Edmond, OK 🕢 7:30 PM 💬 Comment TOUR and we’ll send you the ticket link! 🎶 Sphinx Virtuosi performing José White Lafitte: La Bella Cubana (Arr. Robert Debbaut) #SphinxVirtuosi
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Friday night plans = handled 🎻😂 Caitlin and James are getting ready for Sphinx Virtuosi in Philly tonight. 📍 Philadelphia 🕢 7:30 PM 💬 Comment TOUR for the ticket link! #SphinxVirtuosi
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A new perspective can change what you take back to your own work 💙 Composer Jaylin Vinson comes to SphinxConnect to meet people, learn from the room, and keep growing. 🎟️ Standard: $125 💙 Supporter: $200 💬 Comment CONNECT for details! #SphinxConnect
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Our annual Carnegie Hall celebration kicked off Sphinx’s 30th anniversary year ✨ Before the concert, we honored Delroy Lindo, presented the Corporate Citizen Award to Carolina Jannicelli of JPMorgan Chase, and welcomed Randall Goosby to deliver remarks and a special performance. Then, Sphinx Virtuosi took the Carnegie Hall stage 💛 💬 Comment NEXT30 to be part of what comes next! #Sphinx30
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Adé Williams is Artist-in-Residence with the York Symphony this week 🎻 Her residency includes a solo recital tonight with pianist Yebin Kor, a masterclass, community events, and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto on Oct. 24. 💬 Comment ADE for details! #AdeWilliams #SphinxCompetition
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“Don’t shrink. Just expand.” 💙 Patricio Molina’s final advice to Sphinx LEAD applicants: bring your full self, your culture, your experiences, and your identity into the application. 📅 Applications due Oct. 22, 2026 💬 Comment LEAD for details! #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SphinxOrganization
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One more day to apply 🎻 Featured: Miles Goosby during the semifinal round of this past January’s 29th Annual Sphinx Competition. 📅 Applications for the 30th Annual Competition close Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Miles Goosby performing Nobre, Poema III with Luis Ortiz, piano #SphinxCompetition #ClassicalMusic #SphinxOrganization
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Grateful for time together at Juilliard 🐧 💙 Sphinx LEAD Cohort 8 gathered for reflection, learning, connection, and the kind of peer support leaders carry back into their work. 📅 Cohort 9 applications are due tomorrow, Oct. 20 💬 Comment LEAD for details! 📸 Robert Moncrieff #SphinxLEAD #Juilliard #ArtsLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SphinxOrganization
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Last night at Carnegie Hall ✨ Sphinx Virtuosi kicked off our 30th anniversary year in New York, with 1,352 complimentary tickets helping welcome even more people into the hall. Next stop: Ann Arbor 📅 Oct. 18 | 4 PM 💬 Comment TOUR for tickets! 📸 Brian Hatton #SphinxVirtuosi #Sphinx30 #CarnegieHall #SphinxOrganization
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30 years of Sphinx begins tonight 🎻 Our first anniversary celebration takes us to Carnegie Hall, honoring three decades of artistry, opportunity, community, and impact. 💬 Comment NEXT30 and we’ll send you a link to be part of what comes next! #Sphinx30
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Adé Williams makes her York Symphony debut 🎻 The Sphinx Competition Laureate performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major on Oct. 24 at 7:30 PM. 💬 Comment ADE and we’ll send you the ticket link! #AdeWilliams #SphinxCompetition
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Being consulted isn’t the same as being promoted. Patricio Molina shares the kind of leader he wants to become through Sphinx LEAD: one who builds a culture where people are heard, supported, and given room to advance. 📅 Apply by Oct. 20 💬 Comment LEAD for details! #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership #Leadership
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Why keep coming back to SphinxConnect? 💙 For Richard Desinord, it’s the people, new perspectives, and the chance to connect with performers outside his usual academic environment. 🎟️ Standard: $125 💙 Supporter: $200 ✨ Fellowships due Oct. 20 💬 Comment CONNECT for details! #SphinxConnect
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Philadelphia + Takoma Park are next 🎻 Sphinx Virtuosi continues the fall tour with J’Nai Bridges: 📍 Philadelphia | Oct. 23 | 7:30 PM 📍 Takoma Park | Oct. 24 | 7 PM 💬 Comment TOUR and we’ll send you both ticket links! 🎶 Sphinx Virtuosi performing Clarice Assad's Selections from Impressions, IV. Precision, Perpetual Motion #SphinxVirtuosi
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A look back at this past January’s Sphinx Competition 🎻 Featured: violinist Maxwell Fairman during the semifinal round of the 29th Annual Competition. 📅 Applications for the 30th Annual Competition are due Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Maxwell Fairman performing Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson's Blue/s forms, III: Jettin' Blue/s #SphinxCompetition #SphinxOrganization #Violin #ClassicalMusic
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Ann Arbor + Akron are next 🎻 Sphinx Virtuosi continues the fall tour with J’Nai Bridges: 📍 Ann Arbor | Oct. 18 | 4 PM 📍 Akron | Oct. 20 | 7:30 PM 🎟️ Ann Arbor also has a special $29 ticket offer. 💬 Comment TOUR for both ticket links + the Ann Arbor offer! 🎶 SERGEI PROKOFIEV Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83 “Stalingrad” (Arranged for string orchestra by Rubén Rengel), III. Precipitato VC Zipper Hall at Colburn #SphinxVirtuosi @UMSpresents
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☝🏾 One week until Carnegie Hall! On Oct. 16, Sphinx Virtuosi brings American Dialogues to New York with J’Nai Bridges, Amaryn Olmeda, the world premiere of Rubén Rengel’s Encuentro + more. 🕢 7:30 PM ET 💬 Comment CARNEGIE for tickets! #SphinxVirtuosi
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Alette Williams returns to the New York stage 🎻 The 2026 Sphinx Competition Junior Division First Prize winner performs at the National Arts Club on Oct. 14 at 7 PM. 💬 Comment ALETTE and we’ll send you the ticket link! #AletteWilliams #SphinxCompetition
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Sphinx Virtuosi comes to Notre Dame on Oct. 14 🎻 Joined by Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, the ensemble performs American Dialogues 250 at Leighton Concert Hall. 🕢 7:30 PM 💬 Comment TICKETS for the ticket link! 🎶 SERGEI PROKOFIEV Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83 “Stalingrad” (Arranged for string orchestra by Rubén Rengel), II. Andante caloroso VC Zipper Hall at Colburn #SphinxVirtuosi #NotreDame
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Leadership isn’t always about giving advice. Sometimes it’s about listening. 💙 Patricio Molina shares how his Sphinx LEAD cohort created space for honesty, vulnerability, and support, and how they still show up for one another today. 📅 Apply by Oct. 20 💬 Comment LEAD for details. #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SphinxOrganization
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An idea can go much further when the right people gather around it 💙 Daniel of Àkójọpọ̀ shares how community, collaboration, and cultural exchange continue to shape his work. 🎟️ SphinxConnect registration: $125 ✨ Fellowship applications due Oct. 20 💬 Comment CONNECT for the link! #SphinxConnectt #SphinxOrganization #ArtsLeadership
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The semifinal round starts long before January 🎻 Featured: Paul Aguilar performing in this past January’s 29th Annual Sphinx Competition. Applications for the 30th Annual Sphinx Competition are due Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET. 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Paul Aguilar performing J. S. Bach, Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009, I. Prelude #SphinxCompetition #SphinxOrganization #ClassicalMusic
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SOPA applications are due TODAY 🎺 Trumpeter Eric Pereira has participated twice and points to realistic audition practice, professional feedback, and orchestra connections as some of the biggest benefits. His advice: prepare, record yourself, and apply. 💬 Comment SOPA for details! #SOPA #OrchestralAuditions #Trumpet #SphinxOrganization
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“What does it take to make the promise of belonging real?” Sphinx founder Aaron P. Dworkin wrote the libretto for Damien Geter’s Declaration, performed by J’Nai Bridges with Sphinx Virtuosi at Carnegie Hall in two weeks. 📅 October 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM ET 💬 Comment CARNEGIE for tickets! #SphinxVirtuosi #CarnegieHall #AaronDworkin #DamienGeter #AmericanDialogues #SphinxOrganization
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Harper Randolph used to see auditions as almost impossible. SOPA helped change that ✨ After multiple seasons, the violist has built a stronger preparation process and mindset, with feedback from professionals across the field. 📅 Apply by Oct. 2 💬 Comment SOPA for details! #SOPA #OrchestralAuditions #Viola #SphinxOrganization
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“I started to feel the weight of carrying all of that alone.” For Patricio Molina, Sphinx LEAD meant finding peers who understood that weight and helped him grow more confident in bringing his full identity into the room. 📅 Apply by Oct. 20 💬 Comment LEAD for details. #SphinxLEAD #ArtsLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SphinxOrganization
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One more day for $75 💙 SphinxConnect Early Bird Registration closes Sept. 30 at 11:59 PM ET. 🎟️ $75 🥂 Thursday reception included ➡️ $125 after the deadline 💬 Comment EARLYBIRD for the link! #SphinxConnect #ArtsLeadership #SphinxOrganization
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Before this performance came an application 🎻 Featured: Noah Carr during the semifinal round of this past January’s 29th Annual Sphinx Competition. Applications for the 30th Annual Sphinx Competition are due Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET. 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Noah Carr performing William Grant Still - Suite for Violin and Piano, I. "African Dancer" with Joseph Williams, piano #SphinxCompetition #SphinxOrganization #ClassicalMusic
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Hear Amaryn Olmeda before Carnegie Hall 🎻 In three weeks, the Sphinx Competition Laureate performs Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s Louisiana Blues Strut: A Cakewalk with Sphinx Virtuosi at Carnegie Hall. 📅 Oct. 16 | 7:30 PM ET 💬 Comment CARNEGIE for tickets! #SphinxVirtuosi #CarnegieHall
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You miss 100% of the auditions you never take 🎶 Flutist Martin Godoy shares how SOPA helped him prepare for real audition settings and get his playing in front of orchestras across the country. 📅 Applications due Oct. 2, 2026 💬 Comment SOPA for details! #SOPA #SphinxOrganization #Flute #OrchestralAuditions
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William N. Vasquez has won a Percussion position with the U.S. Naval Academy Band 🥁 🗣️ “Sphinx’s NAAS program has made it possible for me to take auditions while being a full-time student and helped me make a career out of music!” Congratulations, William! 🎉 #NAAS #SphinxOrganization #Percussion #USNavalAcademyBand
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“A journey that I was hoping for, but I also didn’t know existed.” 💙 That’s how Elizabeth Winslow describes Sphinx LEAD. Now, she encourages other arts administrators to apply and use their own leadership to open doors for others. 📅 Applications due Oct. 20, 2026 💬 Comment LEAD to learn more! #SphinxLEAD #SphinxOrganization #ArtsLeadership
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“It fills up my cup.” 💙 That’s how Titus Underwood describes SphinxConnect. He returns for the people, music, ideas, and perspectives he can carry with him throughout the year. ✨ Early Bird: $75 through Sept. 30 + Jan. 21 reception 💬 Comment CONNECT for registration! #SphinxConnect #TitusUnderwood #SphinxOrganization #ClassicalMusic
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This stage will welcome a new group of artists in January 🎻 Featured: Taylor Abbitt during the semifinal round of this past January’s 29th Annual Sphinx Competition. 📅 Apply for the 30th Annual Sphinx Competition by Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Taylor Abbitt performing Andres Martin, Concerto for Bass No. 1, III. Allegro Obsesivo with Elizabeth Hill, piano #SphinxCompetition #SphinxOrganization #ClassicalMusic
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Sphinx Virtuosi returns to @carnegiehall 🎻 American Dialogues opens with the world premiere of Rubén Rengel’s Encuentro and features J’Nai Bridges, Amaryn Olmeda, and a program celebrating Sphinx at 30 and America at 250. 📅 Oct. 16 | 7:30 PM ET 💬 Comment CARNEGIE for tickets! #SphinxVirtuosi #CarnegieHall
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Happy Birthday, Quenton Blache! 🎉 Today, we’re celebrating the composer and cellist through Habari Gani, a work that has lived through Sphinx Virtuosi performances and even inspired interpretation through dance. Here’s to the music Quenton has created and everything still ahead 🎶 #QuentonBlache #SphinxVirtuosi
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One audition. Feedback from professionals across the field 🎶 First-time SOPA participant Marian Mayen shares why the experience gave her valuable perspective as a clarinetist and made professional connections more accessible. 📅 Apply by Oct. 2, 2026 💬 Comment SOPA for details! #SOPA #SphinxOrganization #Clarinet #OrchestralAuditions
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“It wasn’t me.” 💙 For Elizabeth Winslow, hearing her experience validated by someone with a national perspective helped her release years of doubt and move forward differently as a leader. 📅 Sphinx LEAD applications due Oct. 20 💬 Comment LEAD to learn more! #SphinxLEAD #SphinxOrganization #ArtsLeadership
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Rainel has been returning to SphinxConnect since 2012 💙 For the Sphinx Competition Laureate, it remains a place to learn from others, strengthen community, and bring new ideas into his work as a musician. ✨ Early Bird: $75 through Sept. 30 + Jan. 21 reception 💬 Comment CONNECT for registration!
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Your name could be on the next Sphinx Competition program 🎻 Featured: Andres Sanchez in the semifinal round of the 29th Annual Sphinx Competition. 📅 Applications for the 30th Annual Sphinx Competition are due Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM ET 💬 Comment COMPETE for details! 🎶 Andres Sanchez is performing Nobre, Poema III with Luis Ortiz, piano #SphinxCompetition
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How does a composer turn dialogue into music? 💬 Rachel “Ray” McFarlane created a recurring motif at the heart of American Dialogue, then transforms it as the music moves through tension, grief, argument, and urgency. Hear its NY premiere with Sphinx Virtuosi at Carnegie Hall on Oct. 16. 💬 Comment CARNEGIE for tickets! #SphinxVirtuosi #CarnegieHall
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How do you lead through the toughest days? For Sphinx President and Artistic Director Afa Dworkin, it starts with community. In a special Arts Engines conversation with Sphinx Founder Aaron Dworkin, she shares why collective perspective has remained central to the way she leads. 💬 Comment AFA for the full interview! #SphinxOrganization #ArtsLeadership #ArtsEngines #Leadership
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