Professional Development A Baroque Intensive for Emerging Vocalists VIRGINIA BEST ADAMS MASTERCLASS

VIRGINIA BEST ADAMS MASTERCLASS

The 2026 VBA program will return this July! Applications open in November.

In a typical season, the Virginia Best Adams (VBA) quartet comes to Carmel in July to train with Festival artists, and explore ways to communicate Baroque repertoire more vividly. In a light-hearted atmosphere of discovery, the VBA Masterclass participants experience a wealth of vocal music and examine all aspects of style, technique, communication, language, performance skills, and artistry. The Masterclasses are held at the Carmel Presbyterian Church and are free and open to the public. At the end of each festival season, our VBA Fellows perform in a Showcase. Please check out our Events Calendar for exact dates and times.

 

IN JULY 2026, FOUR OUTSTANDING SINGERS WILL:

  • Participate in a series of six public masterclasses in Baroque style and interpretation.
  • Receive private coaching and mentoring from Festival artists.
  • Receive a $2,350 stipend, round-trip airfare (within North America), and housing.
  • Be featured in a showcase concert with members of the Festival Orchestra.
  • Perform as members of the professional 28-voice Carmel Bach Festival Chorale under Conductors Grete Pedersen and Andrew Megill.
  • Study and work for a month with renowned artists in one of the most scenic area in the world.

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

  • Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in Baroque repertoire (opera and/or oratorio).
  • Graduate-level voice and musical studies or the equivalent in training/performing experience.
  • While there is no age restriction, the program is geared towards emerging artist with training, technique and a love of the Baroque.

HOW TO APPLY

There is no application fee, and no special application form is necessary.

  • Audio selections (provided electronically): a maximum of three contrasting selections from the Baroque era. At least one work should in German and by Bach. Private YouTube links are preferred, but MP3’s or links to personal website are accepted.
  • Résumé, photo, and general repertoire list (Please be sure to include professional ensemble experience in your résumé).
  • At least one letter (or email) of recommendation from music professional(s) other than your teacher.

The Carmel Bach Festival regrets it is unable to assist in obtaining work visas for non-US citizens.

Please send all application materials to:

Michael Beattie at vba2026cbf@gmail.com
Michael Beattie at vba2026cbf@gmail.com
If you have questions, please contact Michael directly.
.

Deadline: All application materials must be received no later than February 15, 2026. Result will be announced and every applicant notified by March 1, 2026.

" —Christopher Talbot, bass-baritone " My four weeks attending the 2023 Virginia Best Adams Masterclass were some of the most productive and inspiring I've had in my career. The natural beauty of Carmel, combined with world-class musicians and instructors, made for a time of tremendous personal and professional growth, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity.

THE HISTORY OF THE "VBA" MASTERCLASS

In 1984, family and friends of Virginia Best Adams established an endowment fund to honor her 80th birthday. Since then, the endowment has helped underwrite the training and mentoring of more than 100 young professional singers from around the world.

Each year, the Festival selects four singers from hundreds of international applications. These emerging artists join the Festival and study with Festival principal artists. The busy schedule includes six working sessions which are open free to the general public, frequent private coachings, and a special Showcase Concert. In the informal working sessions, the audience shares in the excitement as the coaches and young artists explore all aspects of performing Baroque vocal music, including vocal technique, musical style, foreign language skills, and artistic communication.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The VBA Masterclass is distinguished by the Festival’s master teachers. Conductor and harpsichordist Michael Beattie is Masterclass Director. Sessions are also led by Festival Artistic Advisor and Director of Choral Activities, Andrew Megill (Director of Choral Organizations at Northwestern University) and by Festival vocal soloists.

About Michael Beattie

In 2019, the Carmel Bach Festival announced the promotion of Michael Beattie to the position of Director of the Virginia Best Adams Masterclass. Beattie succeeds David Gordon, who has led the program since 1990. Beattie previously served as music director for the Masterclass Showcase Concert. He has performed with the Festival for 10 years.

“Michael Beattie was the natural and perfect choice for this role,” said former Festival Executive Director Steve Friedlander. “Already a long-term member of the Festival family, Michael is an exemplary musician, conductor and keyboardist with a particular flair for vocal coaching, and programming. He is a great colleague and collaborator, much appreciated and respected by the artistic leadership team, musicians, and administrative staff.”