Robert Frederick Smith Prize
Forecasted
Robert Frederick Smith Prize supports an outstanding young string musician through professional development, vital resources, and orchestral solo appearances to help build a career in classical music.
This grant was recently updated
Applications for the 2027 Sphinx Competition, through which the Robert Frederick Smith Prize is awarded, are now closed. This replaces the previous open notice listing an October 20, 2026, deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Funder: Sphinx Organization
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $50,000 annual prize for the Senior Division first-place winner
Summary: Supports an outstanding young string musician’s classical music career through professional development and other vital resources.
Key Information: Awarded through the Sphinx Competition’s Senior Division, not a separate prize application.
Description
The Robert Frederick Smith Prize is Sphinx Organization’s top award for the first-place winner of the Sphinx Competition’s Senior Division. Established through a gift from Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, the annual prize provides access to professional development and other resources that help young musicians build careers in classical music.
The Sphinx Competition is a national string competition held annually in Detroit. It celebrates artistic talent, provides career advancement opportunities, and addresses systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities. The prize recognizes exceptional musical achievement while investing in individual winners and the classical music field. Senior Division first-place recognition also includes solo appearances with major orchestras.
