One of the Mendelssohn Club's main contributions to furthering vocal music is the annual vocal award competition, named for the late Joel Dolven, who conducted the Mendelssohn Club from 1952-1967. Each year, the Club provides cash awards to young male and female vocalists to encourage their study.

The Club offers up to four awards, one in each of three categories: Novice Division, for students aged 16 through 18; Intermediate Division, for students aged 19 through 22; Advanced Division, for students aged 23 through 29; plus the Joy B. Misenhimer Encouragement Award, open to any student in the competition who demonstrates outstanding singing potential. Award winners also receive two tickets to our Spring Concert, where they are recognized and their awards handed out. In addition to the awards, students gain valuable experience through participation in the audition recital. Some past winners have even appeared as soloists with the Club.

Contestants sing two selections. One of the selections should be from the concert, lieder, opera, or art song repertory. There is no language or memorization requirement, although memorization is strongly recommended. Contestants are encouraged to invite guests to attend the audition.

The Club hires two judges who are professional musicians and have extensive experience in the evaluation of vocal skill and musicianship.

This year's competition will take place at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 916 Western Avenue, Albany, NY on Saturday, March 24, 2012 starting at 9 AM.

Applications may be submitted either by email or by postal mail. For inquiries, email or write to:

Mendelssohn Club of Albany
P.O. Box 8715
Albany, NY 12208

Results of 2011 Competition

The 2011 competition was held at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 916 Western Avenue, Albany, on Saturday, March 26, 2011. There were ten singers in the Novice division, five in the Intermediate division, and four in the Advanced division. The judges this year were Ms. Lucille Beer and Dr. Ralph Schultz.

The winner of the Novice Division was Andrea McGaugh of Cohoes, NY, a student of Anne Turner. Andrea sang Verborgenheit by Hugo Wolf and Spring by Dominick Argento.

The winner of the Intermediate Division was Bryce Klatsky who is attending Skidmore, and is another student of Anne Turner. Bryce sang Non più andrai by Mozart and Der Lindenbaum by Schubert.

The winner of the Advanced Division was Laura Mitchell of West Hurley, NY, a student of Barbara Hohn. Laura sang Regnava nel silenzio by Donizetti and Allerseelen by Richard Strauss.