Awards and Prizes
The following awards are lined-up to be attributed at the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition 2026.
GRAND PRIX ÉGIDE
12.000€
First Prize “Teresa Berganza”
for female voice
8.500€
The winner of this award will also receive a prize created by Leitão & Irmão Joalheiros.
Awarded by the “la Caixa” Foundation in collaboration with BPI
Teresa Berganza (1933–2022) was one of the great mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century, renowned for her vocal elegance, refined musicality, and charismatic stage presence. Born in Madrid, she gained international acclaim for her portrayals of Rossini, Mozart, and Bizet roles—especially Rosina (The Barber of Seville), Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro), and Carmen. With a brilliant international career, she performed on the world’s most prestigious stages and was a regular presence at festivals such as Salzburg and Glyndebourne. Beyond her artistic legacy, Teresa Berganza was also a devoted pedagogue, inspiring generations of young singers.
First Prize “Maurício Bensaude”
for male voice
8.500€
This prize is accompanied by an award created by Leitão & Irmão Joalheiros.
Awarded by the Millennium BCP Foundation.
Maurício Bensaude (1863–1912) was one of the most remarkable Portuguese baritones of his time, with an international career that brought him to the foremost opera houses of Europe and the Americas. Born in Ponta Delgada, Azores, he was known for his expressive tone, solid technique, and strong stage presence. He performed at renowned venues such as the Paris Opera, La Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, sharing the stage with many of the leading artists of his era. With a vast repertoire, he was especially acclaimed in roles by Verdi and Wagner. His career remains a symbol of Portuguese lyrical talent on the international stage.
2nd Prize
5.000€
3rd Prize
3.500€
Carlos Gomes’Prize
Performance contract in Festival Amazonas de Opera (Brazil - OLA - Opera Latinoamerica) and up to 3,000 Euros in travel support.
2.500€
Best Singer
under 25 Award
2.500€
Stage Skills Award
Contract with the National Opera Novi Sad – Serbia
This prize will be awarded by
Mr. Aleksandar Nikolić
1.500€
RTP Audience Prize
It will be chosen by the public through voting during the Final.
1.500€
Finalist Award
This award will be granted to each finalist who has not received any monetary prizes.
1.500€
- Diplomas of Participation.
- Some of the awards may not be attributed, depending on the decision of the jury.
- The Organization can add extra prizes to the Competition, of which prior notice will be given to all interested contestants.
Other Awards and artistic partnerships
Contract with the Mafra Music Festival “Filipe de Sousa” in 2027 for two singers, in addition to €1,000 per singer.
Contract awarded by Adriano Jordão, artistic director of FMM, amount awarded by Cascais Opera.
Contract with the Marvão International Music Festival in 2027 in addition to €1,000.
Contract awarded by Juliane Banse, artistic director of FIMM, amount awarded by Cascais Opera.
Contract with the Algarve International Piano Festival in 2027 in addition to €1,000.
Contract awarded by Maestro Armando Mota, value awarded by Cascais Opera.
Contract with the National Opera
Novi Sad – Serbia
This prize will be awarded by Mr. Aleksandar Nikolić
Contract with Istanbul State Opera and Ballet in addition to €1,000.
Contract awarded by Caner Akgün, baritone and artistic director of ISOB, value awarded by Cascais Opera.
Contract with the Cascais and Oeiras Chamber Orchestra in addition to €1,000.
Contract awarded by Maestro Nikolay Lalov, value awarded by Cascais Opera.
Carlos Gomes Prize, awarded in partnership with the Amazonas Opera Festival for the 2026 edition
This prize will be awarded by Ms. Flávia Furtado
Carlos Gomes was the most important and successful opera composer in the Americas in the 19th century. Born in Campinas, Brazil, in 1836, his talent for lyricism and melodrama led him to Europe, where his compositions earned praise from none other than Giuseppe Verdi, who reportedly said: “This young man begins where I end!” A composer of several successful operas, including Il Guarany, Carlos Gomes secured his place among the great Romantic opera composers of the 19th century. His significance in the development of the genre is now widely recognized, having influenced composers such as Amilcare Ponchielli and Pietro Mascagni.
