2025 Competition Presentation
Sergei Leiferkus
Artistic director and President of the Jury for 2025
Adriano Jordão
Artistic director
Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition
Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition had its inaugural edition in April 2024, at the Centro Cultural de Cascais and the São Carlos National Theatre, in Lisbon. Conceived as a showcase for the most promising new talents in operatic singing, the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition received over two hundred applications from 39 countries and of all vocal types, aged between 18 and 32.
From these, 8 brilliant finalists emerged, all worthy of receiving the “Grand-Prix – Égide,” which was finally awarded to an exceptional contestant, a Korean baritone Hae Kang.
We would like to highlight the brilliant Portuguese participation, with special mention to Silvia Sequeira, 1st Prize “Teresa Berganza” for female voice, Teresa Sales Rebordão and Constança Melo, both contracted by various operas and leading music festivals.
The Artistic Director and renowned baritone, Sergei Leiferkus, will also serve as the President of the International Jury in 2025. The jury includes important professionals from the world of opera, such as Pål Christian Moe from Glyndebourne, Ivan van Kalmtout, the Artistic Director of the São Carlos National Theatre, Anna Samuil, Staatsoper Berlin and soprano Juliane Banse.
This year, the final phase of the competition will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, one of the most prestigious venues in Europe. The finalists will be accompanied by the orchestra of the São Carlos National Theatre – Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, thus continuing the excellent collaboration between Cascais Opera and this opera house.
A town with a rich and prestigious history, chosen by numerous members of royal families and celebrities throughout the 20th century as a place of residence or visit, Cascais combines the ‘glamour’ of that past with major events in the present, which blend culture and tourist attractiveness.
Charged with the ambition of swiftly becoming one of the most prestigious international competitions of lyrical singing, the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition is already developing a positive application process to the WFIMC – World Federation of International Music Competitions, thus contributing to reinforce Cascais’ cultural weight in the global opera landscape.
Sergei Leiferkus e Adriano Jordão
Artistic directors
Carlos Carreiras
Mayor of Cascais
II Edition Cascais Opera 2025
The inaugural edition of Cascais Ópera – International Vocal Competition has proved itself to be a remarkable success.
The presence amongst us of a prominent contingent from the international operatic elite, that judged more than two hundred applications, as well as the achievement of such a high artistic level, duly evidenced by the live broadcast of the Finals by RTP, fully justify the organization of a second edition in 2025.
A decisive role has been entrusted to an illustrious resident of Cascais, baritone Sergei Leiferkus, who has lived among us for over ten years and was a significant global reference in the world of lyrical singing and to whom falls the supervision of this initiative, which we gladly support.
A highlight for 2025 is the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The final will take place in their Grand Auditorium, accompanied by the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, so bringing to a conclusion the preliminary rounds held in municipal cultural facilities.
Thus, from April 23 to May 4, 2025, singers from all over the world will fill Cascais with music, joining the current laureates and carrying the name of Cascais with them as they continue their careers.
I extend my best wishes for success to all.
Carlos Carreiras
Mayor of Cascais
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
An international foundation, based in Portugal, which promotes the development of people and organizations, through art, science, education and charity, for a more equitable and sustainable society.
It was created in 1956 by the will of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, a philanthropist of Armenian origin who lived in Lisbon, Portugal, between 1942 and 1955, the year he died.
The Foundation promotes greater access to culture and the transformational power of art in the development of people and societies. It helps to reduce inequalities in access to education and care for the most vulnerable. It also promotes knowledge, scientific research and greater participation and involvement by citizens and civil society in building more sustainable communities.
The Foundation includes a museum, an arts center, an orchestra and choir, an art library and archives, and a scientific research institute. It also develops innovative programs and projects and supports, through scholarships and grants,
institutions and social organizations in Portugal, the United Kingdom and France, as well as in the PALOP and Armenian communities.
