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"Participating in Cascais Opera has changed my life!

This competition holds a truly special meaning for me. Thanks to the wonderful staff and the impeccably organized schedule, every participant was able to focus solely on the music and their performance, with each stage of the process carried out flawlessly.

After receiving the Grand Prix Égide at the Cascais Opera Competition, I was given the opportunity to perform in numerous theaters across Europe, which has significantly expanded my artistic growth and career. It was an experience for which I am sincerely grateful.

For me, this competition was far more than an event—it became a pivotal turning point in my musical journey."

“By taking part in the second edition of the Cascais Opera International Vocal Competition, I witnessed the professionalism and commitment of its team—not only to the development of young talent, but also to the audiences and even the communities where its activities take place.

It was an honour to represent OLA and to be part of an initiative where renowned artists, distinguished teachers and organisations from around the world come together. It was inspiring to see how network-based collaboration can positively impact not only theatres, but also companies, institutions and international competitions.”

“For me, the greatest difference and importance of Cascais Ópera is the fact that it is a competition that does not promote rivalry among its participants. I saw up close how the event catalyses collaboration between them, and that is revolutionary.

The world has changed, and the way classical music is structured must keep pace with that change; the 21st century is the century of networked work.

May we instill this notion in our artists from an early age.”

“Of all the many competitions that I have seen and experienced, Cascais Opera is for sure the most welcoming and warm of all...both for participants and Jury members...everybody goes home with fond memories, new friends and wonderful musical moments to remember!”

“Being on the jury of the Cascais Opera Competition was a wonderful experience! My passion is teaching and advocating for young singers, so to see how they were supported, encouraged and respected by the organization made me realize the incredible value of a competition like this!”

“Before becoming the Artistic Director São Carlos National Theatre, I was the General Director of the IVC (International Vocal Competition) 's-Hertogenbosch, in the Netherlands for six years. I can share that the first edition of the Cascais Opera International Vocal Competition was a success, with remarkable quality, organisation, and integrity. In this regard, we assure the continuation of the competition in 2025. I hope the competition will be replicated in the coming years, growing and reaching new levels of excellence.”

“Cascais Opera has recently launched a new voice competition: already its first edition was a great success that showed not only the great potential and professionalism, but also the authenticity and the character of this promising young organization. With its high-level candidates, impressive jury, great venues and the beautiful surroundings of Cascais and Lisbon, it is an event that will surely grow further and become a major address on the musical map!”

“The Cascais International Vocal Competition showcased outstanding planning and precise execution, with logistics managed at the highest level. The team was exceptionally professional, blending their expertise with a wonderful personal touch that created a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent work environment. They truly served as perfect ambassadors for Portugal. Minor issues were handled quickly and discreetly, ensuring a smooth experience for all involved. The selection of candidates was excellent, and the jury members provided invaluable guidance to help participants advance their careers, solidifying the competition’s reputation on an international scale. Overall, the inaugural edition of the competition was conducted at the highest international standard.”

“I was delighted to participate in the first edition of the Cascais Opera Competition. It was a truly great experience. The competition featured wonderful locations, exceptionally talented singers, a highly competent jury, and a professional staff. Overall, I believe it went incredibly well, and I highly recommend this contest to all young singers. Love as always.”

"I describe Cascais Opera with one word: humanity. The welcome on the first day was of incredible care, with powerful interventions from the side of the organisation and the jury members, that underlined the importance of each participant and led to each contestant feeling valued. Each detail was thought through, with excellent logistics and communication and a team that was always available to help and elucidate the contestants. The strong suit of Cascais Opera was, for me, the feedback given by the jury after the singing phases: coherent and constructive, without judgement, shared with assertiveness and without forgetting kindness in its delivery. These are the experiences that make us grow artistically and that open doors to great opportunities, such as the ones that participating in Cascais Opera has brought me."

"For me, it was an honour to participate in an international competition in Portugal with the opportunity to be heard by an international panel of jurors such as this one.
The great weather in Portugal, along with the beach in Cascais just 5 minutes away, made this one of the most special competitions I've ever participated in.
Being able to reach the final and sing at the São Carlos National Theatre with the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, the only opera house in Portugal, was a dream come true."

"Participating in Cascais Opera has changed my life!

On one hand, it was an enormous pleasure to sing in Portugal in an international singing competition of such importance, reaching the final which allowed me to perform for the first time on the stage of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos (a dream come true!). On the other hand, Cascais Opera opened doors to the Opera Studio at the Vienna Staatsoper, where I will be for the next two seasons! It is difficult to put into words my gratitude towards Cascais Opera! I can only thank you and infinitely recommend the competition to all of my fellow singers."