The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, in collaboration with the American Bach Society, is pleased to announce the 13th Biennial Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers with a special interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The competition aims to provide opportunities for emerging artists in the performance of Bach’s music.
Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their artistry before a distinguished panel of judges and a live audience in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The First Prize winner, selected by the judges, will receive a $3,000 career development grant and the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem under the direction of Artistic Director & Conductor Christopher Jackson in a future season. In addition, up to three additional cash awards of $500 each may be granted to other finalists at the discretion of the judges.
Founded in 2000, the Biennial Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers is a premier national competition dedicated to young American vocalists specializing in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Presented every two years, the competition is co-sponsored by the American Bach Society and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing excellence in Baroque performance.
Created to encourage the performance and study of Bach’s vocal repertoire among emerging artists, the competition provides a distinguished platform for singers to demonstrate both technical mastery and stylistic understanding. Since its founding in 1972, the American Bach Society has worked to foster appreciation and scholarship surrounding J.S. Bach and his musical circle.
Over more than two decades, the competition has highlighted many of the nation’s most promising young artists. Recent co-winners in 2024 included mezzo-sopranos Gabrielle Razafinjatovo and Sylvia Leith. Today, the Biennial Bach Vocal Competition continues to serve as a nationally recognized forum for rising talent, upholding the rigorous artistic standards long associated with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem while nurturing the next generation of Bach interpreters.
The esteemed panel of judges for the Finals on October 24, 2026, will include:
Christopher Jackson
Artistic Director & Conductor
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem
Meg Bragle
Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, dedicated educator, and respected classical music host
Jessica Beebe
Internationally recognized soprano and educator specializing in repertoire from early music to contemporary opera.
Matthew Dirst
Professor of Music
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
Vice President, American Bach Society
AUDITIONS
Eligibility
The competition is open to citizens of the United States who were born after October 24, 1994. As of the finals on October 24, 2026, participants must not yet have reached their 32nd birthday.
Preliminaries
- Preliminary applications consist of live and unedited video recordings of two Bach arias, to be uploaded via the online portal: https://app.getacceptd.com/bachvocalcompetition
- Up to eight finalists will be selected from the preliminary applications.
- Application Deadline: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM. All applications must be received by the Competition Administrator on or before this date. Applicants will be notified no later than Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Finals
- Preliminary applications consist of live and unedited video recordings of two Bach arias, to be uploaded via the online portal: https://app.getacceptd.com/bachvocalcompetition
- Up to eight finalists will be selected from the preliminary applications.
- Application Deadline: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM. All applications must be received by the Competition Administrator on or before this date. Applicants will be notified no later than Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Information provided to TVL by:
Glenn Koehler
