The Sphinx Organization has announced the awardees of the 2025 Medals of Excellence.

The Organization announced that soprano Gabriella Reyes, pianist Clayton Stephenson, and violinist and composer Curtis Stewart have each been honored with a Sphinx Medal of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization, which comes with a $50,000 career grant.

The medal recognizes extraordinary leaders in the classical music field who are transforming lives while addressing the systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities.

The recipients are artists who, early in their careers, demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination, and an ongoing commitment to leadership and their communities.

Reyes is an acclaimed soprano who has performed with teh Metropolitan Opera, Atlanta Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Meanwhile, Stephenson is a pianist who has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Fort Worth, Louisville, Lansing and North Carolina Symphony Orchestras. Finally, Stewart has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Cal Performances, Washington Performing Arts, Virginia Arts Festival, and The Juilliard School.