Oscar Hammerstein Museum Announces Finalists For Vocal Contest

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center has announced the semi-finalists for its international solo contest.

The contest is aimed at young performers ages 23 and under to honor the legacy of Oscar Hammerstein. It is the brainchild of OHMTEC board member and music educator Jamie Rogers in response to the challenges of teaching virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Singing together live as an ensemble is on hold for the time being, but that doesn't mean that we can't work on our musicianship and vocal technique as individuals," Rogers said. "This solo contest served as a viable performance opportunity for interested students and brought the sheer talent to light of so many performers.”

To view the list of finalists, go here.

Famed lyricist Oscar Hammerstein and his wife, Dorothy, lived with their family at Highland Farm in Doylestown for the last 20 years of his life. It is where he formed a partnership with Richard Rodgers to develop several famous musicals, including The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, and Oklahoma!. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim.

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center has been raising funds to support the nonprofit’s ongoing vision to secure the Highland Farm property and realize the dream of a museum and theatre education center on the site of Oscar’s home. Fundraising success will allow the non-profit to secure, renovate, and preserve Highland Farm, the Hammerstein property located at 70 East Road in the heart of Doylestown and convert the home and barn into a Museum and Theatre Education Center. The initial fundraising target, which will secure the property and ensure its preservation into the future, has been set at $2 million.

Related: Half a Million Dollar Grant is Awarded to Local Museum Effort

Related: Effort To Turn Hammerstein's Home Into A Museum Gets Big Boost

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