Ailyn Pérez was awarded the Sphinx Medal of Excellence in a Private black tie dinner in Washington D.C on March 29.

Pérez was awarded alongside Kelly Hall-Tompkins and Eugene Rogers for their contributions as colored artists.

“The work of these tremendous artists is in perfect resonance with Sphinx’s mission.  We are truly honored to celebrate these leaders at a time when social justice and the arts have such a powerful connection!” said Sphinx President and Artistic Director, Afa S. Dworkin.

The award includes a $50,000 career grant that is awarded every year for an extraordinary emerging classical artist of color who is in his or her early professional career and has demonstrated artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination, and ongoing commitment to leadership.

Pérez is not only an international opera star but she is an advocate for musical education and serves on the advisory board for Time In Kids.

She recently made her Lyric Opera of Chicago debut and is currently preparing Verdi’s “La Traviata” at the Berlin Staatsoper and will also perform in Puccini’s “La Boheme” at Teatro alla Scala. She is also scheduled to perform her first “Thais” at the Metropolitan Opera.