Sphinx Competition

This is not for everyone, but certainly for black and Latino string players residing in the U. S. 2010 marks their thirteenth year since its' inaugural competition. Unfortunately, I am posting a little too late since their preliminary CD was due by Nov. 11th, 2009, but you can always try next year and just refer to this year's requirement since their rule pretty much stay the same.
This year, the preliminary required pieces for violin were; Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4, 1st movement, two contrasting pieces from Bach Sonata & Partita (Ciaconna will be counted as two contrasting piece for one movement) and piece of your choice for the Junior division. If you would like the list of repertoire for other instruments and for senior division, you can check the repertoire page on Sphinx website. The Sphinx will choose 18 semi-finalists from the preliminary CD submission, 9 semi-finalists for each division. The semi-finalists compete in Ann Arbor & Detroit, MI. First place receives $10,000, 2nd $5,000 and 3rd $3,500 for Senior division. On top of it, the first place laureate will have an opportunity to perform with a major orchestra and CD production from Naxos Label. For Junior division, 1st place $5,000, 2nd place $3,500 and 3rd place $2,000. All three prize winners will perform on the national radio program "From the Top" hosted by Christopher O'reiley. The first place laureate will also have an opportunity to perform with a major orchestra. They also provide all semi-finalists scholarship to various summer institutes and offer one-year instrument loan on need basis. If you are interested in the competition here's the link to their website.