Deadline October 18: Rochester International Vocal Competition!

Rochester International Vocal Competition: Applications Now Open

Take the next step in your career and compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to be heard by agents and casting professionals from across the vocal music industry.

The Rochester Oratorio Society is now accepting applications for the fully-virtual 2026 Rochester International Vocal Competition, an opportunity for talented emerging singers to showcase their artistry, gain valuable exposure, and compete for $3,250 in cash prizes.

Open to singers ages 18 through 35, the competition welcomes vocalists working in opera, oratorio, and art song. Applicants are invited to submit recordings representing their strongest work and demonstrating their abilities across a variety of musical styles.

Compete for $3,250 in Cash Prizes

Three prizes will be awarded:

• Grand Prize: $1,500
• Second Prize: $1,000
• Third Prize: $750

Beyond the prize money, the Rochester International Vocal Competition offers artists the chance to share their work with professionals in the classical vocal field. The competition's expert reviewers include representatives from arts organizations and artist management, including Camerata New Jersey, Harwood Management Group, Finger Lakes Opera, Teatro Grattacielo, and Wade Artist Management.

Who Should Apply?

The competition is open to singers between the ages of 18 and 35. Applicants may submit repertoire from the operatic, oratorio, or art song genres, selecting pieces that best demonstrate their individual artistry and abilities.

For the recorded audition, applicants must submit two to five audio selections totaling no more than 15 minutes of music. Selections should represent the applicant's best work in a variety of styles.

Recordings may be accompanied or unaccompanied and must be the applicant's own performances. Recordings should be unedited, except for duration, and applicants are encouraged to list selections in order of preference with their strongest performances first.

Please note that video recordings are not accepted.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to submit:

• A current résumé or CV
• A short biography of approximately 150 words
• A portrait
• Audition recordings
• Two to five audio selections, not exceeding 15 minutes total
• $45 application fee

Applications and audition materials must be received by Sunday, October 18, 2026. The competition notes that there are no exceptions or extensions to the audition recording requirements, so interested singers are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance of the deadline.

Take the Next Step

This Rochester International Vocal Competition is an important opportunity to put your artistry in front of new audiences and industry professionals.

If you are building a career in classical vocal performance and have repertoire that showcases what you can do, this is your opportunity to share your voice.

Applications are due October 18, 2026.

Learn more about the Rochester International Vocal Competition and apply at through the http://rossings.org/competition.

Application Deadline: October 18, 2026
Age Range: 18–35
Application Fee: $45
Prizes: $1,500 Grand Prize | $1,000 Second Prize | $750 Third Prize
Location: Virtual