Since it was established in 1987, the NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition has become one of the opera world’s major competitions worldwide. Over 1,400 young singing talents apply to compete and thus gain the opportunity to sing for experienced jury members at one of the 25 preliminary auditions held in Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa. Together with local experts, the preliminary-round jury will decide which 40 to 45 contestants are invited to Gütersloh to participate in the final round this autumn. The preliminary-round jury, previously led by Brian Dickie and Evamaria Wieser, is being supported for the first time by Sophie Joyce, director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Alexander Neef, general director of the Canadian Opera Company.
We have thus succeeded in welcoming two additional, internationally active experts from the world of opera to its program, further strengthening its efforts to assist young talents. "As the director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera, I am all too aware that the future of opera depends not just upon finding the next generation of gifted young singers, but upon nurturing their talents and providing them with the opportunity to be heard, and recognized, by a wider audience. It is therefore a privilege and an honor to join the jury of NEUE STIMMEN," said Sophie Joyce, commenting on her appointment. Fellow jury member Alexander Neef added," As the general director of a major North American opera company, NEUE STIMMEN has always been a major source of discovery for the most promising young singers from all over the world for me. For young singers from North America, the competition presents a unique opportunity to showcase their talents in the heart of Europe in front of some of the most discerning artistic directors and casting consultants. Getting access to the largest market of operatic activity is absolutely crucial to develop a successful career."