Our Mission
The Wilkinson Young Singers Fund (WYSF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt scholarship fund established in 2020 to honor the memory and legacy of the prolific baritone, teacher, and musician Donald R. Wilkinson (1961–2018). The goal of the Fund is to provide support for classically trained singers between the ages of 20 and 30 who live in the Boston area and are pursuing a professional career in music. Using Don’s life and career as a model, we give a helping hand to young singers who exhibit an abundance of raw talent, expertise in the craft of singing, a high level of professionalism, and a dedication to sharing their gifts with their community.
Two Wilkinson Young Singers Awards are given annually: a first prize of $5,000 and a second prize of $1,000. As an additional prize, WYSF sponsors a biennial recital in the Boston area that features a collaboration of two first-prize winners. Applicants must submit a written application along with a video audition. Candidates should demonstrate strong musicianship, versatility of repertoire, a commitment to engage the community with their music, and the determination to make a career in music. To learn more about the application process, click the link below.
