Twenty singers have advanced to the next stage of the competition’s second edition.
The semi-finals of Cascais Ópera 2025 will showcase talent from South Korea (5), Spain (2), Serbia (2), Portugal (2), Israel (2), France (1), Russia (1), the United Kingdom (1), Ukraine (1), Italy (1), China (1), and Germany (1).
“I’m very happy. I had no expectations, but it’s wonderful to be one of the Portuguese singers reaching the semi-finals,” said Portuguese mezzo-soprano Ana Rita Coelho. “The responsibility is even greater now. I’ll stay focused, get plenty of rest, and embrace the experience with joy.”
The selection of semi-finalists reflects the competitiveness and diversity of this international vocal competition, which has already become a landmark in the cultural life of Cascais.
“I’m truly honored to be a semi-finalist in such a wonderful place. Receiving this kind of positive feedback is incredibly uplifting,” said Laura Brasó, one of the selected singers. “Until the next performance, the plan is to rest, make the most of rehearsals this afternoon, maybe visit the beach, enjoy some pastéis de nata, and simply be grateful for this opportunity.”
Oksana Pynchu, from Ukraine, also shared her emotions: feeling “happy,” “grateful,” and “deeply honored” to have been selected by the distinguished jury. “I’m a little nervous, but excited to be in the semi-finals,” the soprano said. “I’ll rest well, eat well, take some walks, and stay fully focused to truly embody the characters I portray.”
The semi-finals will take place this Sunday and Monday, in public sessions at the Auditorium of the Centro Cultural de Cascais.
Following the announcement, the jury offered personalized feedback to those who did not progress to the next round. Although no longer competing for the final prizes, these young artists were invited to take part in exclusive masterclasses led by baritone Sergei Leiferkus, senior opera director Aleksander Nikolić (National Theatre of Serbia – Novi Sad), mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore, and soprano Juliane Banse — an extraordinary opportunity for professional development offered by Cascais Ópera to all participants.
– Anna Tetruashvili (Israel, Mezzo-soprano, 27)
– Laura Brasó (Spain, Soprano, 29)
– Ju Hyeok Lee (South Korea, Tenor, 32)
– Jean Miannay (France, Tenor 29)
– Ester Ferraro (Italy; Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, 30)
– Viktor Aksentijević (Serbia, Baritone, 29)
– Sunu Sun (South Korea, Baritone, 29)
– Han Seong Yun (South Korea, Bass, 29)
– Defne Celik (Germany, Soprano, 21)
– Oksana Pynchuk (Ukraine, Soprano, 28)
– Ana Rita Coelho (Portugal, Mezzo-soprano, 30)
– Madalena Oliveira Martins (Portugal, Soprano, 25)
– JaeWoung Lee (South Korea, Bass, 31)
– Rosalind Dobson (United Kingdom, Soprano, 30)
– Manhan Qi (China, Soprano, 26)
– Soraya Méncid (Spain, Soprano, 31)
– Konstantin Fedotov (Russia, Bass, 28)
– Sehyun Kyung (South Korea, Tenor, 31)
– Milan Perišić (Serbia, Baritone, 32)
– Na’ama Shulman (Israel, Soprano, 30)
