2025 - 2026 Wirth Vocal Prize Semifinalists
The Wirth Vocal Prize for vocal performance was established in 2015 through the extraordinary generosity of Elizabeth Wirth to the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, along with new Student Excellence Awards, and an innovative Student Initiatives Fund. Awarded yearly since its inception, the Wirth Vocal Prize recognizes a voice student who demonstrates exceptional talent and significant promise for an international career.
The winner of this year’s Wirth Vocal Prize will receive a generous scholarship, valued at $25,000, as well as a smaller likeness of the Wirth Vocal Prize logo in the form of a 10-karat gold lapel pin. Runners-up in the final will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
This year’s jury panel consists of Pierre Vallet, Joseph Kaiser, and Shira Gilbert. Prof. Sara Laimon will act as jury chair.
Wirth Vocal Prize Semifinal | February 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Wirth Vocal Prize Final | February 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Get to know the talented vocalists competing in the 2025-2026 Wirth Vocal Prize in this exclusive Q&A, listed in performance order.
These responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Brenden Lengsfeld, countertenor
Before a performance, I…
Do yoga and stretch.
My favourite era to perform from is...
Baroque... alongside 19th/20th century French art song!
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
I have learned more and more how important movement is to my music making and my everyday life. Building in yoga before performances, doing handstands and dancing around are all a part of how I keep my mind and body happy while I’m studying and learning.
What made you choose to study at Schulich and in Montreal?
As a countertenor, it can be difficult to find places and people that understand you and are willing to offer you opportunities to learn, grow and perform. With a thriving early music scene and a willingness to push boundaries, I knew right away that Schulich and Montreal were the right places for me!
AJ Gauger, soprano
Before a performance, I…
Love to do some yoga and go on a short walk outside with my dog!
What’s something someone might be surprised to find on your playlist?
This wouldn't come as a surprise to my friends and family, but Elton John takes up the majority of my playlists! He is a huge music inspiration for me and a prime example of how a musician can use their art to positively influence the world around them.
What is an essential part of making music for you?
I am very passionate about storytelling and creating characters with the music I create. Starting out in drama school before learning opera, the emotions and drama are always what I pay attention to first when listening to music. Collaboration is also a very important part of music creation for me, I love how beautifully layered music can become when creating it with a community.
My favourite era to perform from is...
Right now I am having a wonderful time getting the chance to sing music from all eras. I love seeing how I can apply my artistic expression to music from all over, but one of my goals moving forward is to add more Italian bel canto to my toolbox!
Christopher Pitre-McBride, baritone
Before a performance, I…
Forget who I am and everything I’ve prepared.
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
Balance between the craft and your personal life is of upmost importance when seeking to remain positive and healthy. For me, if I am not finding joy in my life outside of the practice room then it is sometimes difficult to find joy inside the practice room. Rest, relax, live life and have fun with friends. Still remain focused, but don’t let life pass by and feel like you’re missing out just to practice another hour.
What’s a recent musical discovery you’ve made?
I was already familiar with Mahler’s first symphony, but after learning his Lieder eines fahrenden gesellen and its context, I revisited the symphony hearing the borrowed themes from the cycle echoed throughout and appreciated it as almost an entirely new piece. Definitely recommend.
My favourite era to perform from is...
Romantic.
Patricia Wrigglesworth, soprano
Before a performance, I….
Try to calm my mind/body, most likely by reading!
What’s something someone might be surprised to find on your playlist?
I have been in the top 0.05% of ABBA listeners on Spotify the past few years, but I’m honestly not sure if that’s all that surprising!
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
Never spending longer in the practice room than is good for my mental health or my voice. I’m a mental practice advocate and believe that most of the learning we do comes from audiation and not over working our voices, especially on days where things just aren’t going the way we’d hope. Don’t force anything, give yourself a break, and try again tomorrow!
What made you choose to study at Schulich and in Montreal?
The Montreal music scene is so incredibly vibrant and has called to me every time I’ve visited the city before coming to Schulich. The program at McGill also offers many opportunities to study a wide variety of musical styles and genres that helps students to become highly versatile and well-rounded artists. As well, the faculty is renowned and the support and leadership I knew I’d find here would be (and has been!) invaluable. Add the beautiful scenery, culture, architecture, and delicious food to the mix and Montreal very quickly became my home away from home!
Liam Dooley, baritone
Before a performance, I…
Meditate.
What’s something someone might be surprised to find on your playlist?
Bluegrass and folk music!
What is an essential part of making music for you?
An essential part of making music for me is communication. Technique is crucial, of course, but connecting to the music and telling the story is the most important aspect for me. If I can make one person walk away from my performance having felt something, then I’ve done my job.
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
Singing involves the entire body and mind. It has taught me to be very aware of how my body is feeling leading up to performances and on stage as well. Everything can affect the body, so I focus on having a consistent routine as to what I eat, how I warm up, and how I take care of myself. The more consistent these routines are, the better the outcome on the voice.
Elizabeth Fast, soprano
Before a performance, I…
Jump up and down backstage.
After a performance, I...
Buy myself a little treat.
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
I sing repertoire that I love as often as possible.
What’s a recent musical discovery you’ve made?
Every few months I think I’ve found the secret to eliminating tongue tension forever. Maybe this latest approach will finally be the answer!
MacKenzie Sechi, mezzo-soprano
Before a performance, I…
Work out.
What’s something someone might be surprised to find on your playlist?
It’s not really surprising, but I often listen to Joni Mitchell and similar artists!
What’s a recent musical discovery you’ve made?
I am working on Dominick Argento’s cycle From the Diary of Virginia Woolf for one of my classes this semester, and I am absolutely in love with it! The cycle is so striking, poignant, and beautiful. The world he creates accompanied by Woolf’s text is incredibly moving. I’d never really heard much of his music, but I am definitely a new fan and have been diving into more of his works since. Such a wonderful composer!
My favourite era to perform from is...
21st century.
Zoe McCormick, soprano
Before a performance, I…
Practice.
What made you choose to study at Schulich and in Montreal?
I was initially attracted to Schulich based on experiences of excellence and artistry among recent graduates I had heard. After my audition at the school, I had a trial lesson with my teacher, Tracy Smith Bessette, which settled it for me. She pushed me outside my comfort zone from the first lesson, and I knew she would guide me with so much care while also holding me accountable.
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
I love spending time with my voice at the start of a practice session, doing lots of gentle vocalizing and work to understand where my voice is each day and what I may need to address technically. From here, I can approach my ongoing projects from a place of trust that my voice is ready to do what I am asking of it, which has allowed me to explore music with so much more freedom and curiosity.
What’s something someone might be surprised to find on your playlist?
I grew up listening to a lot of folk and singer-songwriter music, artists such as Dougie MacLean, David Francey, and Dar Williams were often playing in the house. I think that early love of storytelling has stayed with me.
Angélique Brown, mezzo-soprano
Before a performance, I…
Blast pump-up music.
What is an essential part of making music for you?
I have to feel the emotion and convey the message with the melody first, before adding any lyrics. I want to feel the musicality of the piece and tell the story through my expression of the melodic line before the help of the text saying what's happening.
What are some of the ways you build positive routines in your music-making?
As corny as it sounds, I make sure I'm having fun! I want to enjoy what I'm performing, because what's the point if you don't get any enjoyment out of it? If I find myself getting too wrapped up in the technical aspects, or stress about logistics, I take a moment to regroup and sing through a piece freely, no strict technique no nothing, just fun and pure sound.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Broaden your music horizons! Force yourself to listen to other genres and styles and appreciate it for what it is. It is easy to get pigeon-holed into only consuming the music you perform since we are surrounded by it constantly, but it is important to make a conscious effort to absorb and engage in other forms.
