The College is pleased to announce that the Mendl-Schrama Prize in Music 2026  is open to all undergraduate singers and keyboard players from across the University.

The Mendl-Schrama Prize was founded and endowed in 2015 by Mrs Heleen Mendl-Schrama, widow of His Honour James H E Mendl (1948, Law, University College). The Mendl-Schrama prize has previously been open annually to all University College undergraduates, but has now been extended to include all Oxford University undergraduates. The objective of the prize is to provide meaningful financial support for outstanding musicians to pursue extra-curricular music study.

£1,000 prize

Entry Requirements:

– Singers must offer two contrasting songs or arias lasting no longer than ten minutes. Singers must provide their own accompanists.
– Keyboard players may offer one whole movement of a larger work or two shorter pieces, again lasting no longer than ten minutes.
– Singers and pianists may apply as a duo, and should they win, the prize money will be split equally.
– Deadline for applications is 25 January, 2026 at 9am.
– Applicants must be prepared to audition during the day on 31 January, 2026 in the Holywell Music Room.

The audition panel will comprise:

– Giles Underwood, Director of Music, Univ; Professor of Singing, Royal Academy of Music
– Heleen Mendl-Schrama, founder and benefactor of the prize
– Teresa Cahill, international soprano; Professor of Singing, Trinity Laban
– Julian Jacobson, concert pianist; Professor of Piano and Chamber Music, Royal College of Music

Applicants should apply in writing to Mr Giles Underwood (giles.underwood@univ.ox.ac.uk), identifying choice of repertoire, their plans for the use of the prize money (for example: summer residential courses, language courses, masterclasses, coaching with specific teachers) and their availability on the audition day.

The Winner will be announced during this year’s recital on 31 January, 2026. They will then be required to provide evidence of their use of the prize money and present a public recital in 2027 in the Holywell Music Room, at a mutually convenient date.

Published: 12 December 2025

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