The 113th Bethlehem Bach Festival in May will host the finals of the Young American Singer’s Competition, sponsored by the American Bach Society and The Bach Choir of Bethlehem.
The application deadline is midnight Friday, March 20, and the competition is open to U.S. citizens who were born after May 17, 1989. As of the finals on May 17, 2020, participants must not yet have reached their 31st birthday.
Past winners who have gone on to worldwide careers, including performances with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, include Dashon Burton (2012), Janna Critz (2014), Nola Richardson and Christopher Edwards (2016) and Gabriela Estephanie Solis (2018).
Up to 10 finalists will appear before a panel of distinguished judges and a live audience in Bethlehem. The First Prize winner chosen by the judges on that day will receive a career development grant of $3,000 and a solo performing opportunity with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, in a future season.
In addition to the first prize, up to three additional cash awards of $500 may be given to other finalists, at the judges’ discretion.
Judges at the finals will include Greg Funfgeld, artistic director and conductor of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem.
The preliminary application is by audio or video recording of one secco recitative and two J.S. Bach arias uploaded via the online portal getacceptd.com.
All applicants will be notified via email no later than April 15.
The competition finals take place during the 113th Bethlehem Bach Festival, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Peter Hall, Moravian College, Bethlehem. Finalists may request complimentary tickets to concerts on the weekend of the competition. Visit bach.org to view the festival schedule.
At the finals, each singer will present one secco recitative and two arias by J.S. Bach, (not necessarily those in the preliminary application).
Piano accompanist will be provided. Finalists are welcome to bring their own accompanist. Finalists must make their own travel arrangements.
Application by midnight March 20, is via getacceptd.com, which charges a $30 application fee. For information, visit bach.org or call 610-866-4382 x111.
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