The future of music, made here.

NEC Alumnus Kebra-Seyoun Charles ’20 Wins First Place in 25th Annual Sphinx Competition

February 4, 2022

NEC Alumnus Kebra-Seyoun Charles ’20 Wins First Place in 25th Annual Sphinx Competition

The double bassist took home the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize in the senior division of the Detroit-based competition.

Kebra-Seyoun Charles ‘20, a graduate of New England Conservatory in double bass performance, is the first place winner of the senior division and $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize in the recent 2022 Sphinx Competition held in Detroit, Michigan. The competition highlights the talents of young Black and Latinx string players.

In addition to the prize winnings, as senior division laureate, Charles will be featured as a solo performer with major orchestras across the country.

You can watch the entire competition, including Kebra-Seyoun’s winning performance (which begins at 47:04), in the Sphinx Organization’s video above.

Congratulations to Kebra-Seyoun!

Learn more about the competition

recent news
Juliano Aniceto

May 7, 2025

For Conductor Juliano Aniceto, Music is About Escaping Limitations

Read More
Prudence Steiner

May 5, 2025

New England Conservatory Community Mourns the Passing of Prudence Steiner

Read More
Mimi Stillman

May 2, 2025

Flutist Mimi Stillman to Return to NEC Prep for Tribute Performance 

Read More
  • Juliano Aniceto

    May 7, 2025

    For Conductor Juliano Aniceto, Music is About Escaping Limitations

  • Prudence Steiner

    May 5, 2025

    New England Conservatory Community Mourns the Passing of Prudence Steiner

  • Mimi Stillman

    May 2, 2025

    Flutist Mimi Stillman to Return to NEC Prep for Tribute Performance 

  • Alumnu Speaker and Marshals

    May 1, 2025

    Meet the Alumni Speaker and Marshals for NEC’s 2025 Commencement

  • Early Childhood Education

    April 28, 2025

    NEC’s Early Childhood Education Program Showcased in Studio Session

  • Alyssa Peterson

    April 25, 2025

    Double-Bassist Alyssa Peterson ’25 Finds Her Voice Raising Awareness About Injury Prevention