Soprano Defne Celik, a prize-winner at the 2nd edition of Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition, returns to Portugal for a four-concert tour with the Alma Mater Orchestra, continuing the artistic journey she began at the competition.
Awarded 3rd Prize and the Prize for Best Singer under 25, Defne Celik was also chosen by conductor João Baptista Branco to receive an artistic contract, one of the prizes awarded by Cascais Opera with the aim of creating concrete professional opportunities for its participants.
Between 4 and 11 July, the young soprano will perform Carl Orff’s monumental *Carmina Burana* in Torres Novas, Castelo Branco, Caldas da Rainha and Figueira da Foz, as part of the cast of soloists alongside tenor Pedro Rodrigues and baritone Tiago Amado Gomes, under the musical direction of João Baptista Branco. And the choirs: the Choral Phydellius Children’s Choir; the Alma Mater Choral Training Choir; Choral Phydellius; and Spatium Vocale, conducted by choir director Paulo Lourenço.
In Carmina Burana, Defne Celik takes on one of the work’s most striking solo roles. Throughout the arias *Stetit puella*, *In trutina* and *Dulcissime*, she gives voice to a character who embarks on an intense emotional journey, from innocence to desire and from doubt to surrender, in a vocal part that demands lyricism, sensitivity and great interpretative maturity.
For João Baptista Branco, the choice of soprano fell naturally into place following her participation in Cascais Opera:
“Carl Orff wrote this role for a lyric soprano capable of conveying authenticity, fragility and human warmth. I recognised these qualities in Defne Celik during Cascais Opera, and that is why I offered her this contract.”
The tour is yet another example of Cascais Opera’s mission: to transform distinctions into real career opportunities, bringing young artists into contact with theatres, festivals, orchestras and cultural agents.
In just three editions, Cascais Opera has created more than 30 professional opportunities for its participants, through contracts, concerts, auditions and international invitations, establishing itself as a platform for showcasing the new generation of opera singers.
The collaboration with the Alma Mater Orchestra reinforces this commitment, demonstrating that the competition’s impact extends far beyond the event itself and continues to open up new stages for its winners.
