ROCHESTER, N.Y. – May 12, 2022 – The Rochester Oratorio Society has announced the 2022 Rochester International Vocal Competition winners.

The 2022 Rochester International Vocal Competition winners are: first prize, Shannon Keegan, mezzo-soprano; second prize, Kyle van Schoonhoven, tenor; third prize, Nicholas Huff, tenor; honorable mention, Eric Delagrange, bass; encouragement award, Emma Grace Wade, soprano.

The winners were selected from the largest application pool in the competition’s 15 year history, with over 190 applications received. These artists have performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Florida Grand Opera, the Glimmerglass Festival, Tri-Cities Opera and Chautauqua Opera among others. Former contestants have gone on to perform in opera houses around the world including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Deutsche Oper Berlin.

New this year, the encouragement award was given to Emma Grace Wade, a senior at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women in Rochester where she is an active member of the performing arts program and founder of the school’s first Black Student Union. Wade studies at the Eastman Community Music School and has already won several awards and accolades including the Rochester Philharmonic League Tessa Martin Award for Female Vocalist.

“What started as a showcase of local talent has expanded into an internationally respected and highly regarded competition in the classical vocal world,” said Eric Townell, Artistic Director of the Rochester Oratorio Society. “We look forward to another year of outstanding talent.”

The 2022 Rochester International Vocal Competition will culminate in an online broadcast performance showcasing winners on May 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The showcase is free and open to the public, and audience members will have the opportunity to vote live for an additional audience favorite prize. Details at www.rossings.org/RIVC.

ABOUT THE ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY:

Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s leading choral ensemble. The Oratorio Society has toured the world, commissioned and premiered major works and collaborated with the region’s finest vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles. The organization produces four to six performances annually as well as the Rochester International Vocal Competition, each spring. Information on the Oratorio Society and its productions may be found at www.rossings.org or at (585) 473-2234.

ABOUT ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION

The Rochester International Vocal Competition is widely regarded as an essential step to advanced careers in professional vocal performance. Proceeds from the annual event support the artistic and educational agenda of the Rochester Oratorio Society, which is producing the competition for the 15th year. For more information on the Rochester International Vocal Competition, visit www.ROSsings.org/RIVC.