KENTUCKYBachCHOIR

The Kentucky Bach Choir invites aspiring singers born on or after March 19, 1993 to compete for a cash prize and an opportunity to perform with the Kentucky Bach Choir.

As a preliminary audition, applicants must submit unedited recordings of themselves singing either two (2) selections by J.S. Bach in original language (at least one in German) or one aria by Bach plus one (1) sacred aria (oratorio, mass, etc.) in the original language by Haydn or Mozart.

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Next Competition

March 18, 2023​

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Since its founding in 2007, the Kentucky Bach Choir, through its performances in Lexington and throughout Central Kentucky, continues to grow and develop in its mission to present the great masterworks of Johann Sebastian Bach and composers of like stature. The choir has provided professional performing opportunities for Central Kentucky-based singers and instrumentalists.

Printable Application Form (PDF)

Printable Competition Flyer (PDF)

Advocating for the Gifted Singer

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In 2011, the Kentucky Bach Choir initiated a vocal competition to encourage the study and performance of the solo vocal repertoire of J. S. Bach. For the competition, singers submit recordings of themselves performing two arias by Bach and, for the sake of contrast, their choice of an aria by Haydn or Mozart. Finalists chosen from the initial screening are invited to participate in a live competition in Lexington, Kentucky, singing before an audience and a panel of judges. The winner receives a $2,000 grand prize and an opportunity to perform as a featured paid soloist in a subsequent Kentucky Bach Choir season. In addition to the grand prize, up to two singers may be chosen by the judges to receive encouragement awards of $500 each. Eligible singers for the 2023 competition must be born on or after March 19, 1993.

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2023

The biennial Kentucky Bach Choir's Audrey Rooney Vocal Competition will be a live, in-person concert event in 2023. Singers will video record and submit two sacred arias from the Baroque or Classical periods, in the language in which the piece was composed: Either two (2) selections by J.S. Bach in original language (at least one in German) or one aria by Bach plus one (1) sacred aria (oratorio, mass, etc.) in the original language by Haydn or Mozart. Submissions will be screened, with up to ten singers advancing to a final round. The initial video will serve as the material for both the preliminary and final rounds. A $2,000 grand prize will be awarded to the winner, as well as an invitation to perform as a featured soloist in the 2023-2024 Kentucky Bach Choir season. Up to two additional $750 encouragement awards may also be granted. The competition is open to singers born on or after March 19, 1993, and who are not under professional management.

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TIMELINE

February 26, 2023, midnight - deadline for submissions
March 4, 2023, 2 p.m. - finalists announced
March 18, 2023 2 p.m. - winners announced

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APPLICATION

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