Cellist Tommy Mesa to receive 2023 Sphinx Medal of Excellence

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The Strad

The cellist has been named as one of the three recipients awarded the honour recognising extraordinary Black and Latinx classical musicians

Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa has been awarded with a Sphinx Medal of Excellence, one of the highest honours bestowed by the Sphinx Organization. He is one of three recipients alongside soprano Aundi Marie Moore and composer Joel Thompson.

The Sphinx Medal of Excellence recognises extraordinary Black and Latinx classical musicians and includes a $50,000 career grant. The prize is awarded to artists who early in their career demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination, and an ongoing commitment to leadership and their communities.