12-Year-Old Cellist from Holden Wins Second in National Music Competition

Sofia Hernandez-Williams takes home $5,000 prize in prestigious Sphinx Competition

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:47am

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Twelve-year-old cellist Sofia Hernandez-Williams of Holden, Massachusetts took second prize in the junior division of the 2026 Sphinx Competition, a prestigious national music competition held in Detroit from January 21-24.

Why it matters

The Sphinx Competition is one of the most prestigious national music competitions for young musicians, providing recognition and financial awards to talented youth. Sofia's second-place finish highlights the exceptional musical abilities of young people in the local community.

The details

Sofia Hernandez-Williams, a 12-year-old cellist from Holden, Massachusetts, won second prize and $5,000 in the junior division of the 2026 Sphinx Competition. This was the second consecutive year that Sofia placed in the competition.

  • The 2026 Sphinx Competition was held from January 21-24 in Detroit, Michigan.
  • Sofia Hernandez-Williams won second prize on January 24, 2026.

The players

Sofia Hernandez-Williams

A 12-year-old cellist from Holden, Massachusetts who won second prize in the junior division of the 2026 Sphinx Competition.

Sphinx Competition

A prestigious national music competition for young musicians held annually.

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What they’re saying

“I'm pretty happy. That's what I worked toward.”

— Sofia Hernandez-Williams (wn.com)

The takeaway

Sofia Hernandez-Williams' second-place finish in the prestigious Sphinx Competition demonstrates the exceptional musical talent of young people in the Holden community and the importance of providing opportunities for youth to showcase their skills on a national stage.