2026
Application Guidelines
Two Wilkinson Young Singers Awards — a First Prize of $5,000 and a Second Prize of $1,000 — are awarded annually. Additionally, two first-prize winners collaborate on a joint recital sponsored by Wilkinson Young Singers Fund (WYSF). The recitals are held biennially in the Boston area. For the 2026 prize cycle, the recital will be scheduled for the spring of 2027.​
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The 2026 competition will have two rounds:
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A video (taped) qualifying round
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A live final competition in Boston
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Eligibility​
The application process is open to all singers who are:
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Between the ages of 20 and 30
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Residing in the Boston area
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Actively pursuing a career in music
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Available for the 2027 WYSF Recital (date TBD)
Previous applicants who have not received the First Prize Award from WYSF are welcome to reapply. Designated first-prize winners must be available for a future recital in the Boston area on a mutually agreed-upon date.
First Round: Video Audition
Deadline
11:59 pm EDT on March 25, 2026
Email the following in a single message to info@wilkinsonfund.org:
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Brief current résumé and headshot
Include current mailing address, phone number, and email address. -
Two video performances (totaling no longer than 10 minutes)
Videos must:
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Be no more than one year old
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Not be edited for sound or video enhancement
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Be provided as links (preferred) or attached files
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Repertoire requirements
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One Classical selection (opera, operetta, oratorio, or art song)
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One contrasting selection (musical theater, modern American songbook, or jazz)
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At least one selection must be in a foreign language — required for consideration
The WYSF Board will review all applications and select up to eight finalists. Submission does not guarantee an award.
Finalist Notification
By April 15, 2026
Second Round: Live Final Competition
Date & Time
Friday, May 8, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Location
Seully Hall
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
8 Fenway
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Accompanist
Finalists will perform with Matthew Larson, faculty at Boston University’s Opera Institute, Music Director for Seaglass Theater Company, and Music Director of the WYSF Recital Series.
Finalist Materials & Repertoire​
Due by Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 11:59 EDT:
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PDF scores for three competition selections
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Repertoire must follow the same guidelines as Round One
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One piece may be repeated from the initial video audition
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Total performance time: maximum 12 minutes
Live Competition Format
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Performance order will be determined by random draw.
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For the first half, finalists will choose and perform their first piece from their list of pieces.
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After intermission, the jury will select a second piece from each finalist’s list of three.
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Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the competition.
Questions
Contact WYSF at info@wilkinsonfund.org.