Alexandra Switala (Violin '16) and Violist Dillon Scott Win Prizes at the 2023 Sphinx Competition

Congratulations to Alexandra Switala (Violin ’16) and first-year viola student Dillon Scott, who were recently announced as winners of the 2023 Sphinx Competition Senior Division, a prestigious honor given by the Sphinx Organization. Ms. Switala was awarded second place and $20,000, while Mr. Scott received third place and $10,000. Violinist Njioma Chinyere Grevious received 1st prize honors and the $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize, which includes several solo appearances with major orchestras.

The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latinx classical string players the opportunity to perform before an internationally revered jury and be mentored by top industry professionals in the classical music world. Under the baton of conductor Kalena Bovell and the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, an all-Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals, Ms. Switala performed the first movement of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Concerto for Violin in G Minor, Op. 80 and Mr. Scott played the fourth movement of Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Violin.

Learn more about the Sphinx Organization and the 2023 Sphinx Competition Senior Division and Junior Division winners HERE. Read further information about this year’s winners at The Violin Channel’s website HERE.

Watch the 2023 Sphinx Competition Finals Concert:

Photo of Alexandra Switala, Dillon Scott, and Njioma Chinyere Grevious courtesy of The Violin Channel.