Third Annual National Oratorio Competition

Presented by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Empowering emerging American singers through world-class mentorship, performance with a professional orchestra, and career-building opportunities.

Eight talented finalists will participate in coaching sessions, rehearsals, and masterclasses as part of the 92nd Annual Bach Festival.

The Finals Concert with Full Orchestra takes place on Friday, February 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm in Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College Campus.

The Finals Concert is free and open to the public. Reserve your seats below.

Attend the Free Finals Concert

Competition Guidelines

Application deadline: November 1, 2026.

Designed to support artists at a pivotal stage in their careers, the National Oratorio Competition is open, accessible, and artist focused.

• Open to American singers who are in the early stages of their performance careers. There is NO AGE LIMIT to apply to this competition, but singers must not have professional management.

• There is NO FEE to apply to this Competition.

• Finalists announced on December 7, 2026.

• Previous artists with the Bach Festival Society are not eligible to apply.

• Hotel accommodations will be provided for all finalists.

• A travel stipend of $400 will be provided to each finalist to assist with airfare and local travel during the Competition.

Apply to Compete Here

“This week was filled with insightful masterclasses, care-filled mentorship, and total awe of my colleagues. It was such a joy to be surrounded by artists who are so eager and excited to sink deeper into this world of oratorio singing. It was truly such an honor to perform and learn alongside such talented, curious, and kind musicians”

Elisse Albian, soprano
First Prize Winner 2026

“This was such an honor to be part of. I’m so grateful to even be chosen as a finalist in the first place. *Everyone* at this festival truly, genuinely believes in this art form, and it was so invigorating to be a part of. To everyone involved in this, both judges and contestants: thank you so much.”

Scott Purcell, baritone
Second Prize Winner 2026

How to apply

Applications Open September 1, 2026

Complete the application form below
Submit a one-page professional resume
Submit a one-page professional biography
Submit three videos of the applicant singing from the following repertoire. (Please submit unlisted YouTube Links)
- One aria by J.S. Bach
- One aria from Handel’s Messiah
- One additional aria from an oratorio

Please note that opera arias and art songs are not acceptable submissions

The final competition concert on February 12, 2027, will comprise each contestant singing two oratorio arias with a full orchestra in front of a live audience. The first half of the concert will consist of each finalist singing an aria from Handel's Messiah, and the second half will feature a contrasting aria chosen by the contestants and judges.

Apply to Compete Here

Prizes

First Prize

$5,000 cash prize
Future solo engagement with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and/or the Messiah Choral Society of Orlando

Second Prize

$3,000 cash prize
Future solo engagement with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and/or the Messiah Choral Society of Orlando

Third Prize

$1,500 cash prize

Audience Choice Award

$500 cash prize

Every finalist will be given a recording of the Finals Concert that they are free to use for their own publicity needs.

Apply To Compete Here

“It was such a positive and encouraging experience from start to finish. The sense of community among the performers, staff, and adjudicators made it a joyful and supportive space to work, take risks, and grow. I’m so grateful for the generosity with which you shared your insight, experience, and musicianship. Your career advice and encouragement have meant more to me than I can easily put into words. I left the experience feeling renewed and motivated, and I’m already seeing its impact in my teaching as well as in my own artistic work—something I credit in no small part to your belief and honesty.”

Cody Ryan Arthur
Third Prize Winner 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This competition is for oratorio repertoire only. Opera arias and art songs are not suitable submissions for this competition.
- Each video must be a single take, unedited (with the exception of slating/captions to introduce the work), and must have a written caption at the beginning of the video introducing each work. Include your name, voice part, pianist’s name (if applicable), song title, composer, and major work title (if applicable).
- Place the camera on a stable surface, no handheld shots. Record horizontally. The Competition will not accept any vertical videos.
- Please save each video and submit as unlisted YouTube video links.
Video requirements:
Format & recording
- Each video must be a single, unedited take.
- Each video must feature you singing on camera. Still images with audio are not acceptable.
- Place your camera on a stable surface — handheld shots are not acceptable. Record horizontally
- (landscape orientation). Vertical videos will not be reviewed.
- Audio must be clear and audible throughout. Do not submit videos where accompaniment or room noise obscures the voice
Slate requirements
Begin each video with a written slate (text caption) that includes all of the following:
- Your name, voice part, aria title, composer, major work title, accompanist name (if applicable)
Videos that do not meet these requirements — including vertical orientation, handheld footage, or obscured audio — will not be reviewed.
Please confirm all requirements are met before submitting.
No. Holding your score is current performance practice in oratorio.
Piano or orchestral accompaniment are acceptable as long as your voice is heard clearly throughout. Remember, we want to hear and see YOU.
Messiah is one of the most frequently performed oratorios and is a valuable score to know intimately. In addition, one of the potential prizes may include a solo engagement with the Messiah Choral Society of Orlando.

For additional assistance, email Sondra Jones at sjones@bachfestivalflorida.org

Meet our World-Class Judges

Mary Wilson, soprano
Co-Founder and Director

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Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano
Co-Founder and Director

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John Grau, tenor
Founding Adjudicator

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Dashon Burton, baritone
Founding Adjudicator

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About the National Oratorio Competition

The National Oratorio Competition, presented by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, supports the professional growth of emerging American singers by offering the rare opportunity to perform oratorio repertoire in collaboration with orchestra and chorus. The Competition is open to unmanaged American singers at the early stages of their careers who seek meaningful performance experience in this distinctive genre.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to deepen engagement with the oratorio tradition by fostering artistic curiosity, musical integrity, and expressive purpose. Through this competition, we encourage singers to explore the depth and power of the repertoire and to develop as thoughtful musicians with compelling voices on the concert platform.