Art Song Prize

Songfest is pleased to announce the “Art Song Prize” that encourages singers/pianists to develop compelling and engaging,
innovative recital programs that explore repertoire to attract audiences.
 SongFest Festival – June 29-July 20, 2026

 
 
 

Art Song Prize

This prize will offer 2 young artists (1 singer and 1 pianist) the opportunity to work closely in private sessions with internationally renowned pianist Martin Katz on their recital program. 

Awardees will receive 

• $1000 cash prize per singer and pianist
• Private coachings with the senior piano faculty
• The duo will be featured in the Brown Loranger Fellowship recital.

All singers and pianists accepted to the program will be considered for this prize if they so desire. Awardees will be selected by SongFest’s artistic leadership from the roster of accepted applicants.

Criteria will include: 

• Quality of application materials
• Unique quality of the recital programming

PLEASE NOTE: Songfest will provide a list of resources to assist in developing your program. Suggestions of previous SongFest recitals, and, and sample programs are available on our website.

When submitting your application note special criteria for this prize below.

Questions?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
songfestus@gmail.com

COMPOSER LIST
OTHER RESOURCES
 

Guidelines for Applicants

• Applicant – The applicants for this prize are piano-singer duos, not individuals. Duos may be established duos or proposed new partnerships.
• Partnership – It is expected that duos will work collaboratively to create these programs, sharing in the ideas, workload, and creativity.
• Deadline – Applications must be submitted in FULL on or before February 23, 2026 to be considered for the prize.
• Notification – Finalists will be notified no later than April 1, 2026.

NOTE: You do not need to perform the songs from your draft proposal for the audition, only submit a draft.

Applicants for this prize must submit a draft of their concert program along with their regular SongFest Application materials. This draft should include a detailed description of your program proposal and how it will be executed. Consider the following while developing your program proposal:

  • Length – recital programs must be no longer than 40 min.

  • Repertoire – Any language and time period.

  • Enhancements – Recitation, and any other program enhancements are welcome and encouraged. If selected as the awardee, all supporting materials must be finalized, approved, and delivered to SongFest administration at SongFest no later than April 1, 2026. SongFest reserves the right to edit any additional content for any reason.