Gruppenfoto mit den Endrundenteilnehmern der NEUEN STIMMEN 2015 auf der Bühne des Theaters Gütersloh.

Source Besim Mazhiqi

Starting shot for the NEUE STIMMEN 2017: Apply now!

Until March 31 young opera singers from around the world have the chance to submit their application for our NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition. Participating in the competition can be a crucial step for launching a high-profile career, as the current success of 2013 prizewinner Nadine Sierra shows.

Since a few days Opera talents from around the world can apply for our NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition. Deadline is March 31. If your application is successful you will be part of the preliminary round auditions from April 28 to August . If you are successful there too you will be invited to the competition's final round, which will be held in Gütersloh from October 7 to 14. Interested? Apply now under www.neue-stimmen.de/en

For Opera talents worldwide our international singing competition, which in 2017 celebrates its 30th anniversary, was the starting shot for an international career. Like for Nadine Sierra. The US-American soprano won the NEUE STIMMEN in 2013 and then had great success. Last season alone, she made a string of successful debuts with the Berlin State Operas, the Met and La Scala.

"NEUE STIMMEN has been the best competition experience I've ever had. So, yes, for sure it has helped me to gain exposure and credentials for my future."

Nadine Sierra, Opera singer and 1st prize winner of the NEUE STIMMEN 2013

Attractive prizes and the entrace into Opera business await the young singers

For the first three winners we will award a total of €60,000 in prize money. Of key importance for the young artists, however, is the opportunity the competition gives them to make contact with opera-house managers, festival directors and agents, as well as the career advice and support they receive on an ongoing basis from the NEUE STIMMEN team

Selected finalists are invited to participate in the NEUE STIMMEN master classes, workshops and career seminars, and to perform in concerts in Germany and abroad. In addition the young singers have access to our international partner network.

Jury with approved guidance and three new faces

Once again the 10-member jury will be led by Dominique Meyer, director of the Vienna State Opera. International talent scouts and long-time jury members Evamaria Wieser, artistic director of the Salzburg Festival, and Brian Dickie, former general director of the Chicago Opera Theater, will again lead the preliminary round auditions held around the globe to spot new talent. New members this year include Sophie de Lint, opera director at Opera Zurich, Elisabeth Sobotka, general director of the Bregenz Festival, and pianist and lied accompanist Helmut Deutsch. Please find all members of the jury here.

Preliminary round auditions in 24 cities on five continents

From Asterdam to Moscow and Bejing, New York or Cape Town to Sydney: We are travelling around the world searching for young Opera talents in 24 cities on five continents. Attend jury member Brian Dickie during this journey on his blog.

"I only ever wanted to be an Opera singer." Follow NEUE STIMMEN 2011 finalist Nadezhda Karyazina into the fascinating Opera world and get to know our singing competition - with our E-Magazine "change Story"!

About NEUE STIMMEN

In 1987 Liz Mohn, vice-chairwoman of the Bertelsmann Stiftung Executive Board and president of NEUE STIMMEN, initialized our singing competition. It is considered one of the most important international events for young opera talents and takes place every second year in Gütersloh. In 2017 NEUE STIMMEN celebrate its 30th anniversary. 

The NEUE STIMMEN have already helped many young artists launch major careers, including Vesselina Kasarova, René Pape, Nathalie Stutzmann, Roman Trekel, Michael Volle, Hanno Müller-Brachmann, Anna Samuil, Maxim Mironov, Franco Fagioli, Marina Rebeka, Christiane Karg, Olga Bezsmertna and Nadine Sierra. 

For the last competition in 2015 more than 1,400 young people from 72 nations applied. The French soprano Elsa Dreisig and Belarusian bass Anatoli Sivko won the first prizes.

Background

Related project:

NEUE STIMMEN