Applications open on 1st October
Following the great success of its first edition, the second edition of Cascais Ópera is a unique opportunity for emerging talents in the world of opera.
Applications for the international operatic singing competition open on 1 October and close on 15 December. Singers aged between 18 and 32, of all vocal types, can apply. The total value of the prizes amounts to 40,000 euros, spread over 9 categories, providing a significant incentive for the development of the participants’ careers.
In addition to the monetary prizes, the contestants will have the chance to sign contracts with prestigious opera festivals and theatres, and may also be invited on tours and other artistic opportunities of international relevance. Cascais Opera presents itself as a real boost for the future of vocal talent.
It should be noted that the competition is under the artistic direction of the renowned baritone Sergei Leiferkus, who will also be the President of the International Jury in 2025, made up of important personalities from the world of opera, such as Pal Moe (Glyndebourne), Ivan van Kalmthout (Senior Opera Executive), Anna Samuil (Berliner Staatsoper), soprano Juliane Banse, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore, and Eliane de Kat (Artistic Coordinator of the Monte-Carlo Opera).
The first edition of the competition toured the most diverse cultural venues in Cascais and culminated in an exciting final at the São Carlos National Theatre in Lisbon, where Korean baritone Hae Kang was honoured with the prestigious Grand Prix Égide.
The competition received more than 200 applications from 39 countries and the fantastic Portuguese participation should be emphasised, especially Sílvia Sequeira, 1st prize winner of the ‘Teresa Berganza’ award for female voice, and Teresa Sales Rebordão and Constança Melo, who have been hired by various opera houses and important music festivals.
The 2nd edition of Cascais Ópera takes place from 23 April to 4 May 2025. The final will be held this year in the Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the finalists will be accompanied by the orchestra of the São Carlos National Theatre – Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, thus maintaining the excellent collaboration between Cascais Ópera and OPART/ TNSC.
