Faith DeBow with 2024 Emerging Artists Sam Higgins and Bobby Harris.
The 2025 Emerging Artists will perform in Victoria, Texas in various venues June 1-7, 2025. Learn more about the program for US residents between the ages of 16 and 30, and complete an application.
In its commitment to nurturing new musical talent, VBF supports the Emerging Artist program, affording young musicians the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals in their field. In addition to formal concerts, the Emerging Artists visit assisted living facilities and service clubs in the community, and perform for audiences at the Victoria Public Library.
The program is led by Emerging Artist Coordinator Faith DeBow. Applications for the June Festival are accepted in the fall through January 15. Learn more about how to apply.
Listen to performances from past Emerging Artist concerts.
The Emerging Artists program began in 1992 as the New Young Artists, and has featured over 60 of the nation’s most promising young musicians. Past Emerging Artists include:
2024: Bobby Harris, oboe ~ Sam Higgins, countertenor
2023: Brandon Berlanga, marimba ~ David Womack, baritone
2022: Ivy Cantu, soprano ~ Anita Graef, cello
2021: Holden Bitner, cello ~ John Uzodinma, violin
2020: Erin Cameron, clarinet ~ Matthew Shorten, tenor
2019: Bruno Barbosa, baritone ~ Natalie Howard, soprano
2018: Matthew Gillen, guitar ~ Natalie Magaña, flute
2017: Dillon MacIntyre, tenor trombone ~ Emily Klein, harp
2016: Katya Gruzglina, soprano ~ Chloë Schaaf, mezzo-soprano
2015: Reese Farnell, horn ~ Brian Giebler, tenor
2014: Erin Calata, mezzo-soprano ~ Patrick Kilbride, tenor
2013: Jennifer Berg, oboe ~ Jane Leggiero, baroque cello and viola da gamba
2012: Estelí Gomez, soprano ~ Laura Miller, bassoon
2011: Dashon Burton, bass-baritone ~ Nicole Greenidge Joseph, soprano ~ Hilary Janysek, flute
2010: Erin English, soprano ~ Thales Smith, guitar
2009: Catherine Clarke, soprano ~ Seth Lafler, tenor
2008: Taylor Baggott, tenor ~ Joey Kantor, piano
2007: Kathrine Schmidt, soprano ~ Jonathon Subia, tenor
2006: Jessica Anastasio, flute ~ Dann Coakwell, tenor ~ Lauren Snouffer, soprano
2005: Paul Max Tipton, baritone ~ Mark Dupere, baroque cello ~ Ivan Trevino, percussion
2004: Kathleen Ritch Brown, soprano ~ David Farwig, baritone
2003: Stephanie Moore, soprano ~ J.D. Burnett, tenor
2002: Jenifer Thyssen, soprano ~ Jorge Iván Gonzalez, violin
2001: Amy Cowan, soprano ~ Mela (Sara Jane) Dailey, soprano ~ Douglas Harvey, cello
2000: Keith Gipson, tenor ~ Jennifer Needham, soprano ~ John Markert, organ
1999: Matthew Oltman, tenor ~ Annie Su
1998: Diane Schoff, soprano ~ Carr Hornbuckle, bass
1997: Hanan Alattar, soprano ~ Todd Keister, tenor
1996: Nina Keidann Revering, soprano ~ David Dillard, baritone
1995: Jill Bates, soprano ~ Garrett Maddox, tenor ~ João Lourenço
1994: Stella Keidann Hastings, soprano ~ Richard Gabrillo, bass
1993: Melissa Marse, piano ~ Oliver Worthington, baritone
1992: Jana Holzmeier, soprano ~ David Blackburn, tenor