On Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 PM, the Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon will host the Grand Final of the Cascais Ópera – International Vocal Competition, bringing together young opera talents from around the world.
In its second edition, two of the most prestigious awards pay tribute to iconic figures in opera history: the Teresa Berganza Prize for Best Female Voice, awarded by the “la Caixa” Foundation in collaboration with BPI, and the Maurício Bensaude Prize for Best Male Voice, awarded by the Millennium bcp Foundation.
Both prizes, each valued at €7,500, come with trophies designed by Leitão & Irmão Joalheiros. These awards align with the competition’s mission to honor and promote excellence in opera, inspiring young performers by recognizing the legacies of these distinguished artists.
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.
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.
The competition seeks to bridge the past and future of opera, promoting not only new talents but also the appreciation and recognition of operatic heritage. By honoring figures like Berganza and Bensaude, Cascais Ópera underscores its commitment to preserving cultural memory and cultivating new audiences, fostering interest in the great voices that have shaped this artistic realm.
These two awards are part of a suite of nine prizes totaling €40,000, including the Grand Prix Égide (€10,000), Second Prize (€5,000), Third Prize (€3,500), Best Singer Under 25 Award (€2,500), Stage Talent Award (€1,500 and a contract with the National Opera of Novi Sad, Serbia), and the RTP Audience Prize (€1,500), selected by audience vote during the Grand Final.
The Final promises to be a celebration of operatic excellence, honoring both emerging talents and the enduring legacies of opera’s greats.
