Awards and Prizes
The following awards are lined-up to be attributed at the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition 2025.
GRAND PRIX ÉGIDE
10.000€
First Prize “Teresa Berganza”
for female voice
7.500€
The winner of this prize will also receive an Award designed by Leitão & Irmão Joalheiros
This prize is awarded by Fundação “la Caixa” 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
7.500€
The winner of this prize will also receive an Award designed by Leitão & Irmão Joalheiros
This prize is awarded by Fundação Millennium BCP
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€
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 voted by the audience during the Final.
1.500€
Finalist Award
This prize will be awarded to each finalist who has not been awarded other monetary prizes
1.000€
- 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 national artistic partnerships
Contract with the National Opera
Novi Sad – Serbia
This prize will be awarded by Mr. Aleksandar Nikolić
FIMM - Contract with the Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão – 2026
This prize will be awarded by Ms. Juliane Banse
Contract with the Orquestra de Câmara de Cascais e Oeiras
This prize will be awarded by Maestro Nikolay Lalov
Contract with the Festival de Música de Mafra “Filipe de Sousa”
This prize will be awarded by Mr. Adriano Jordão
Contract with the Algarve International Piano Festival – 2025/2026
This prize will be awarded by Maestro Armando Mota
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet - Contract for a role in an Opera Production for the 2025/2026 season
This prize will be awarded by Mr. Caner Akgün
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.
