From the Opening Night to the Finale at the Gulbenkian, Cascais Ópera 2026 offers concerts, rehearsals open to the public, masterclasses and an immersion in Mozart’s repertoire. A complete guide so you don’t miss a thing.
The 3rd edition of Cascais Ópera spans ten days of programming that combines the competitive tension of the eliminatory rounds with more contemplative moments: gala concerts, open masterclasses and a walk along the municipality’s Atlantic cliffs. Admission is free for the vast majority of events; only the Final, in Lisbon, requires a paid ticket.
Full programme
| DATE | TIME | EVENT | PLACE |
| May 29 | 20h | Opening Concert | Cascais – Auditório Sra da Boa Hora |
| May 30 | 10h – 19h | First tests | Conservatório de Música de Cascais |
| May 31 | 10h – 16h | First tests | Conservatório de Música de Cascais |
| June 2 | 10h – 19h | Semi-finals | Centro Cultural de Cascais |
| June 4 | 20h | Semi-finalists’ Concert | Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais |
| May 29 – June 6 | 10h – 19h | Masterclasses (side programme) | Various locations in Cascais |
| May 29 – June 6 | 10h – 13h | A walk through the Arribas de Cascais | Meeting point: Malveira da Serra Chapel |
| June 7 | 18h | Finale | Fundação Gulbenkian, Lisboa |
29 May – Opening Concert
The 3rd edition kicks off with a new feature: an Opening Concert bringing together established artists and the winners of previous editions. This is the moment that sets the tone for the entire competition week and offers the audience a first taste of opera singing at the very highest level. Free admission, subject to prior registration.
30 and 31 May – Preliminary Rounds
The first rounds of the competition are open to the public. The 40 selected singers perform famous arias from the operatic repertoire before a prestigious international jury. It is a unique opportunity to watch competitors from 25 different countries perform in an intimate setting, free of charge.
2 June – Semi-finals
The semi-finals are once again open to the public. The candidates who have passed the preliminary round return to the stage for a new round of arias. The jury decides which eight finalists will proceed to the Final at the Gulbenkian and the 12 semi-finalist return at stage at June 4.
4 June – Semi-finalists’ Concert: An Evening with Mozart
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of this year’s festival: the Semi-finalists’ Concert a tribute to the repertoire of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Freed from the pressure of competition, the singers who did not progress to the final return to the stage to perform arias and ensembles from some of the Austrian composer’s most celebrated works. An intimate setting, with no judging by the jury. Free admission.
29 May to 6 June – Masterclasses and parallel programme
The Cascais Opera parallel programme includes masterclasses at iconic venues in Cascais’ Museum Quarter, offering the public an opportunity to engage with the art of opera singing. A walk through the Arribas de Cascais is also planned, combining exploration of the coastal landscape with moments of interaction between artists and the public. Advance registration is required for the parallel programme activities.
7 June – Final, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon
The highlight of the entire competition: eight finalists take to the stage of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Grand Auditorium, accompanied by the Cascais Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Antonio Pirolli. Up for grabs are prizes totalling over €50,000, contracts with national and international theatres and festivals – including the São Carlos National Theatre – and, for the winner, a level of exposure that could mark the definitive start of an international career. Tickets on sale at Ticketline.
