There are places that seem to be born with a natural vocation for art. Cascais is one of them. It is in this setting—where the sea meets the land and tradition is renewed in the present—that the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition was born.
There are places that seem to be born with a natural vocation for art. Cascais is one of them. It is in this setting—where the sea meets the land and tradition is renewed in the present—that the Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition was born.
The Cascais Opera was created with the ambition of being more than just a competition. It is a meeting point between generations and cultures, a space for training, sharing, and discovery. Through masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and personalized feedback, the competition also embraces an educational mission, helping to train and inspire the next generation of opera artists.
We pay tribute to great figures in the history of opera, perpetuating their inspiration through the Teresa Berganza, Maurício Bensaúde, and Carlos Gomes Prizes. These names represent the artistic legacy, passion, and rigor that the competition seeks to celebrate and transmit.
The Final takes place at the Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, one of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls and a symbol of excellence and cultural exchange. On this stage, the finalists have the honor of performing with the Cascais Symphony Orchestra, in a night that marks the culmination of an intense journey of learning and achievement.
But the Cascais Opera is more than a musical excellence event — it is a project deeply connected to its territory. The various stages of the competition take place in iconic venues of the Cascais Museum Quarter, strengthening the link between culture, identity, community, and heritage.
Sustainability is another key pillar of this project. From reusing materials and encouraging sustainable mobility to creating local partnerships with cultural associations and institutions, the Cascais Opera strives to reduce its environmental footprint while amplifying its social impact. It stands as an example of how art can be a tool for positive transformation — promoting inclusion, circular economy, access to culture, and attracting new audiences to opera.
The ambition is clear: to establish the Cascais Opera as one of the most prestigious vocal competitions of our time, recognized for its artistic excellence, the quality of its juries, and the genuine international career opportunities it offers its participants.
The true heart of the project, however, lies in its atmosphere — one of sharing, friendship, and discovery that reflects the welcoming spirit of Cascais and of the entire team.
