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-sopranoPatrick Kilbride, tenor

2013: Jennifer Berg, oboeJane 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, tenorJoey 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, sopranoDavid 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 Marsepiano ~ Oliver Worthington, baritone

1992: Jana Holzmeier, soprano ~ David Blackburn, tenor