Congressman John D. Dingell

Washington, D.C. – Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI) today announced that the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a grant in the amount of $50,000 to support the Sphinx Competition for gifted emerging string musicians. The funds will be used to encourage the development of string instrument experience in young Americans and to support public performances in Detroit and Ann Arbor.

"The Sphinx Competition is an outstanding program that gives young, primarily African American and Latino students, the opportunity to improve their craft, and perform with their peers and professional musicians," said Representative Dingell. "I can think of few programs that are more deserving of NEA funding, or that have been as effective in expanding access to classical music opportunities for minority students."

Concert Competitions and Music Development, Inc. of Dearborn, Michigan annually solicits applications from junior and senior high school and college-level music students in underserved populations from across the country. Eighteen semi-finalists will be selected to compete, with three finalists performing in Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium and Detroit’s Orchestra Hall.

The Sphinx Symphony receives generous support from the University of Michigan Music School, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the University Musical Society and Arts League of Michigan, and others. Since its inception, Sphinx has provided all semi-finalists with full scholarships to top music institutions including Interlochen, Aspen and Encore.