The Rochester Oratorio Society (ROS) has announced the launch of its first-ever standalone Emerging Artist Competition, named in memory of beloved Rochester tenor Joseph Eduardo.

While an emerging artist prize has previously been folded into the organization’s annual Rochester International Vocal Competition (RIVC), this marks the first time the category stands as its own dedicated competitive event.

Open to college students, recent graduates, and early-career professional singers between the ages of 18 and 35, the competition accepts applications exclusively online through April 12, 2026. A virtual first round will determine the top three finalists, who will then compete before a live audience on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Hochstein Performance Hall in Rochester. Cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500 will be awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers, respectively.

“ROS strives to recognize the abundance of vocal talent and the importance of providing a platform for these artists,” said ROS Artistic Director Eric Townell, per an official press release. “We are absolutely delighted to host an Emerging Artists Competition as its own competitive entity.”

Adjudicating the competition are Townell and Jonathan Beyer — an internationally recognized singer, Director of the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory, and 2011 RIVC winner himself. The three finalists will additionally be heard by eight external reviewers, offering the potential for professional engagements beyond the prize money.