Sphinx Organization Announces 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Recipients

The recipients include pianist Michelle Cann, violinist Randall Goosby, and soprano Karen Slack

The Sphinx Organization, a US non-profit organization dedicated to the development of young American Black and Latin classical musicians, has this week announced the three recipients of its 2022 Medal of Excellence grants.

The Sphinx Medal of Excellence is awarded to classical Black and Latinx musicians “who, early in their career, demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination, and an ongoing commitment to leadership and their communities,” Sphinx stated in their announcement.

Recipients will also receive a $50,000 (USD) career grant to “help continue furthering their careers and making music to share with the world.”

The Sphinx Medal of Excellence is the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization. On March 17, 2022, they will welcome Cann, Goosby, and Slack to Washington, D.C. for a luncheon and a private black-tie dinner event.

"I am truly grateful for this award and opportunity from the Sphinx Organization, whose indelible influence on my musicianship has brought me to this point in my career," Goosby said. "Participating in the Sphinx Competition over a decade ago opened my eyes to the potential for myself and other musicians of color to make our mark on the world of classical music. I hope to continue making classical music ever more accessible to young musicians, especially those of color, and amplifying the work of marginalized creators within this field."

An Artist Diploma student at The Juilliard School, Goosby is a protégé of Catherine Cho and Itzhak Perlman — and a recipient of the Sphinx Organization's Isaac Stern Award. Last month, the 24-year-old American violinist joined Primo Artists' and HarrisonParrott's rosters for Joint General Management.

You can read more about the recipients, here.

Past winners include composer Carlos Simon, conductor Lina González-Granados, oboist Titus Underwood, double bassist, Joesph Conyers, soprano, Raquel Gonzalez, and baritone Will Liverman.