Faith DeBow with 2021 Emerging Artists John Uzodinma and Holden Bitner
The Victoria Bach Festival’s Emerging Artists program celebrates emerging talents and their potential for subsequent creative work. Over 60 promising young musicians have participated in the program since it began in 1992. The Emerging Artists Coordinator is pianist and music educator Faith DeBow.
The Emerging Artists perform in recital in Victoria, Texas during the week of the festival and assist with outreach concerts to local civic groups. Festival concerts are recorded for archival purposes.
Applications require nomination by an individual familiar with the artist’s work.
Required Emerging Artist Application Materials:
Online application (including audio sample)
Who May Apply
Artists may apply for the Emerging Artists Program if they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- US resident
- Between 16 and 30 years of age
- Nominated by a teacher or someone familiar with the artist’s work
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. The festival welcomes applications from vocalists and instrumentalists from a variety of musical styles, with an emphasis on classical performance.
Selection criteria for acceptance include:
- Quality of performance
- Artist’s creative accomplishments and the promise of future artistic excellence
- Artist’s capacity to connect with participants in outreach and children’s concerts
Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal. All applicants will be notified of the panel’s decisions after the selections have been made.
Emerging Artists receive a stipend and travel costs. The commitment begins June 2 and ends June 6, 2025. At the end of the experience, artists are asked to submit a short narrative describing their experience with the Festival.