2027
Application Guidelines
Each year, the Wilkinson Young Singers Fund (WYSF) honors five finalists with a $5,000 First Prize, a $1,000 Second Prize, a $750 Audience Choice Award, and stipends of $250 each for the two remaining finalists. Additionally, two first-prize winners collaborate on a joint recital sponsored by WYSF. The 2027 First Prize winner will perform in the 2029 recital, on a mutually agreed-upon date.
The 2027 competition will have two stages:
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A video (taped) qualifying stage
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A live final stage at Seully Hall, at Boston Conservatory at Berklee
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 New England
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Actively pursuing a career in music
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Available for the 2029 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.
Stage One: Video Audition
Deadline
Friday, February 5, 2027 at 11:59 pm EST
Application Requirements:
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Brief current résumé and headshot Including current mailing address, phone number, and email address.
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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
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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One selection must be sung in English and the other in a foreign language.
The WYSF Board will review all applications and select five finalists. Submission does not guarantee an award.
Finalist Notification
Friday, February 26, 2027
Stage Two: Live Final Competition
Date & Time
Sunday, March 21, 2027 at 3:00 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
Finalists will receive a link to an online submission form for all required competition material and information.
Deadline
Friday, March 5, 2027 at 11:59 pm EST
Finalists must submit PDF scores for three competition selections, one for each stage:
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Round One: Art song or oratorio aria
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Round Two: Opera aria
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Round Three: Musical theater selection
The total performance time for all three selections must not exceed 12 minutes. You may repeat one selection from your video audition, though we encourage you to choose different repertoire. At least one selection must be sung in English and at least one in a foreign language. All repertoire is subject to WYSF approval.
Live Competition Format
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Performance order will be determined by random draw.
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All finalists will perform one selection in each of the three stages, following the sequence listed above.
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There will be a brief intermission after Stage Two.
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Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the competition.
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A reception will follow the competition. Each finalist is invited to attend with one guest.
Questions
Contact WYSF at info@wilkinsonfund.org.