The Sphinx Competition was created in 1996 by violinist Aaron Dworkin in order to encourage the development of minority classical musicians. The winners receive training, scholarship funds, and the opportunity to perform with major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and St. Louis Symphony. Many alumni have gone on to study at the Curtis Institute and other leading conservatories.
The 2005 Sphinx Competition takes place from January 26 through January 30. The finalists will appear at the Detroit Opera House, accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony, an ensemble of minority instrumentalists from major American orchestras.