NEUE STIMMEN 2026: 41 young opera singers from 18 countries enter the final round

The final round of the NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition brings together 41 young singers from 18 countries in Gütersloh. They were selected for the competition week from among 1,126 applicants representing 69 countries. From October 5 to 9, the spotlight will be on their voices and artistic development. At the same time, the final round gives them an opportunity to present themselves to the international opera world, gain experience, and forge contacts that can help them on their future career paths.

"For almost four decades, we have not only given young singers a stage but have also supported them as they build international careers. Music connects people across countries, cultures, and generations – this is precisely what NEUE STIMMEN has stood for since its founding. I very much look forward to seeing these young people on stage," says Liz Mohn, President of the competition and Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the Liz Mohn Foundation.

In the first rounds of the competition, the singers will perform before the nine-member jury, now chaired by Alexander Neef, Director of the Opéra national de Paris. Those selected will advance to the semifinal on Wednesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at the Stadthalle Gütersloh. The highlight of the week will be the final concert with the Duisburg Philharmonic, conducted by Vitali Alekseenok, on Friday, October 9, at 7 p.m., when the winners of NEUE STIMMEN 2026 will be announced.

Alongside jury chairman Alexander Neef, the jury comprises Samuel Gelber, Xenia Hofmann, Boris Ignatov, Sophie de Lint, Bernd Loebe, Christoph Seuferle, Neil Shicoff, and Evamaria Wieser. As leading professionals and decision-makers in the international opera world, they bring a range of perspectives to the competition and support the next generation of singers as they embark on their careers.

The final round is about more than selecting the prizewinners. Under the umbrella of NEUE STIMMEN "Creating Careers," the Liz Mohn Foundation combines the competition with programs designed to support young singers far beyond their performances on stage. During the competition week, feedback and advisory sessions provide them with valuable input for their artistic and professional development.

The "Creating Careers" program shows just how lasting the impact of these connections can be. The program is being further expanded for the 2026 competition, including the addition of one-on-one mentoring. Australian soprano Nicole Car, who won first prize in 2013, will be among those mentoring young singers from this year's competition.

The semifinal concert with piano accompaniment on Wednesday, October 7, and the final concert with the Duisburg Philharmonic on Friday, October 9, both begin at 7 p.m. at the Stadthalle Gütersloh. Tickets are available from Gütersloh Marketing (tel. +49 5241 211 360) and the usual advance ticket outlets. The public is also invited to attend the dress rehearsal in the Stadthalle's main auditorium on Friday, October 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No advance registration is required.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the final live online on the international opera platform OperaVision (operavision.eu). A recording of the final will also be available to watch afterward. The Liz Mohn Foundation will also publish the individual arias from the semifinal and final on its YouTube channel (@lizmohnstiftung). The NEUE STIMMEN Instagram channel (@neuestimmen) will also offer glimpses of the young singers and behind-the-scenes action throughout the competition.

Our expert:

Ines Koring
Phone: +49 5241 2133-372
E-Mail: koring@liz-mohn-stiftung.de

Press Contact:

Nadine Lindemann
Phone: +49 5241 2133-533
E-Mail: lindemann@liz-mohn-stiftung.de