Vocalists from New York, Montreal, and Cincinnati Perform in Concert for a Live Rochester
Audience to Determine Prize Order
Rochester, NY — The wait is over. After reviewing 86 applications from throughout the United States and Canada, judges of the Rochester Oratorio Society’s first-ever Emerging Artist Competition, “Joseph Eduardo,” have just announced the competition’s top three finalists.
The three singers, mezzo-soprano Natalie Corrigan, and sopranos Bridget Esler and Lynn Kang will perform before a live audience on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 pm at the Hochstein Performance Hall. Tickets for this special event are $45 and $25 — depending on seating — purchased at www.rossings.org, by calling (585) 473-2234, or at the door. All tickets include a 6:30 pm pre-concert chat with celebrity guest judge Jonathan Beyer.
The final prize awards will be announced at the conclusion of this one-of-a-kind evening of opera arias by esteemed judges Rochester Oratorio Society’s Artistic Director, Townell, and international singer Jonathan Beyer (Chautauqua Opera Conservatory director and First Prize winner of the 2011 Rochester International Vocal Competition).
Cincinnati-based Natalie Corrigan is dedicated to celebrating diversity and storytelling through music. She recently performed with The Glimmerglass Festival, The Chautauqua Institution, Cincinnati Opera’s Opera Fusion: New Works, and Carnegie Hall, with upcoming engagements at The Santa Fe Opera. She is completing her Master of Music degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Natalie challenges traditional operatic norms by centering her Mexican heritage and bilingualism in her artistry. Born with a cleft lip and palate, she is a passionate advocate for the representation of the craniofacial difference community, using her career to demonstrate how authenticity and perseverance can expand the future of opera.
Praised as “an artist who leads with musical intelligence and technical assurance” (La scena musicale), Canadian soprano Bridget Esler is currently a young artist at the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier lyrique. Bridget has performed across Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. with orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, soprano Lynn Kang is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Professor Mark Schnaible. In 2025, she founded The Salon, a student-led performance initiative inspired by the 19th-century European salon tradition, presenting innovative programs that integrate music, literature, and visual art. She recently returned from her successful European recital debut in Reims, France.
“We were elated at the quality of applicants for our first Emerging Artist Competition,” said Townell, who this year celebrates his 20th anniversary in that position. “Ms. Corrigan has a beautiful vocal timbre and high artistic maturity. She has overcome substantial physical challenges to achieve what she does. Ms. Esler has a strong, fiery, dramatic presence with a ton of vocal color and a broad expressive range. And, although young, Ms. Kang has a colorful and agile voice and is singing more advanced repertoire than is typical for her education level. Our audience is in for a real treat!”
Each winner will receive a cash prize: $1000 (First Prize), $750 (Second Prize), and $500 (Third Prize). Finalists will also be heard by eight external reviewers for potential professional engagements. The competition was open to college students, recent graduates, and early-career professional artists ages 18-35.
This competition was established in memory of the late Joseph Eduardo, ROS tenor and beloved member of Rochester’s musical community. This competition is sponsored in part by the Opera Guild of Rochester.
Note: Interviews and photos are available on request.
Calendar:
What: Rochester Oratorio Society’s Emerging Artist Competition “Joseph Eduardo” Finals Concert
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 7:30 pm
Where: Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N Plymouth Ave., Rochester, 14614
Tickets: $45 and $25; www.rossings.org
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About The Rochester Oratorio Society: Founded in 1945, The Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s leading large choral-orchestral ensemble. Hundreds of avocational singers, a professional orchestra and local and nationally-renowned vocal soloists participate in each season. The chorus frequently collaborates with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, presents numerous community performances throughout the region, hosts two annual vocal competitions, and presents Arts Connexions, a multicultural concert series. Additionally, it maintains a full schedule of educational opportunities for urban youth. Learn more at www.rossings.org or call (585) 473-2234.
