Dates and Deadlines

• 4 February 2026: Application Deadline for Preliminary Round Video Auditions
• 26, 27 March 2026: Semifinal Round, New York, NY
• 9 May 2026: Final Round, Rochester, NY

Repertoire Requirements

Contestants must perform a program that contains four selections, one from each category outlined below. The total length of the program must not exceed 15 minutes. This may necessitate judicious internal cuts, but contestants must be prepared to sing the number unabridged if so requested by the judges.

• one theatrical selection (any genre) by Kurt Weill
  Weill selection(s) must be sung in their original theatrical versions and language. However, in this category only, authorized English translations for selections from The Threepenny Opera (English lyrics by Marc Blitzstein or Michael Feingold) and Happy End (English lyrics by Michael Feingold) will also be permitted.
• one song from a Golden Age musical (one written before 1968)
  Contestants must perform the stage version of the song as it is contained in a piano-vocal score of the show (not in “selections” format, or from a film or popular adaptation of the work). Musical theater selections must be sung in English. Contestants may also select a song written for Broadway by Weill as their Golden Age selection. Note, however, that multiple Weill selections should be contrasting (in genre, style, and/or language).
• one song from a contemporary musical (one written in/after 1968)
  Contestants must perform the stage version of the song as it is contained in a piano-vocal score of the show (not in “selections” format, or from a film or popular adaptation of the work). Musical theater selections must be sung in English.
• one selection from an opera or operetta
  The opera/operetta selection must be sung in its original musical version, key, and language. Contestants may also choose a selection from an opera/operetta by Weill for this category. Again, please note that multiple Weill selections should be contrasting.

Contestants are encouraged to choose contrasting selections, which may be performed in any order. To effectively demonstrate that you are a multi-dimensional performer, in constructing your program consider the mood, tempo, length, vocal range, musical style, and characters being portrayed.  The program must be performed from memory.

Bear in mind that the intention behind requiring two musical theater selections, one written before 1968 and one written in or after, is to encourage performances that demonstrate the stylistic differences found throughout the history of musical theater. Therefore, three selections by Weill will be unlikely to do so. Pairing a selection from a musical from the 1920s with one that imitates that style but written after 1968 also does not illustrate the diversity celebrated by the Lenya Competition. A musical such as The Drowsy Chaperone for example might postdate 1968, but, it is largely written “in the style” of a musical from an earlier period.

Prizes

Finals Prizes

• First Prize: $25,000
• Second Prize: $20,000
• Third Prize: $15,000

Discretionary Awards of $6,000 each may be awarded by the judges in recognition of an outstanding performance of a single number or other exceptional aspects of a finalist’s presentation.

An “Audience Choice” Award of $3,000, selected by in-person and online audiences of the 2026 Finals.

Finalist Prize: $3,000 (unless receiving a top or discretionary prize)

Prizes Given Before the Finals

 Semifinalist Prize: $1,250 (given to all semifinalists, including those who advance to the finals.)

 Preliminary Round Prizes of $750 each:

• Emerging Talent Award, to recognize the potential of certain contestants ages 19-23
• Grace Keagy Award for Outstanding Vocal Talent
• Outstanding performance of a selection from the Lenya Competition Songbook,

Contestant Resources

Be sure to digest the variety of tips and other resources for contestants, including:

• “Top Ten Tips”
• “Putting It Together,” advice on crafting a program
• Preliminary Video Audition Guidance
• Weill Repertoire Ideas
• Frequently Asked Questions