40 singers from 19 nations have been invited to participate in the preliminary rounds at the National Academy of the Arts in Oslo on August 17 and 18. Among them, there are aspiring talents from leading opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera Covent Garden in London, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, the Berlin State Opera, and the Zurich Opera House. The winner achieves career guidance and € 50 000 in prize money.
The 40 singers in the preliminary rounds were selected from a total of 521 applications that the Queen Sonja competition received this year. This is the highest number ever and shows once again the worldwide importance of the competition. The international jury is composed of opera directors and casting supervisors from several of the world’s leading opera houses.
The competition is receiving broad international attention. This is reflected in the record-high number of applicants and the many nations represented on the applicant list. For us, it is wonderful to register that we are relevant and attractive to young singers,
says Executive Director Lars Hallvard Flæten.
The Queen Sonja Singing Competition (QSSC) is one of the world’s leading competitions that transforms the careers of all participants. Held every two years in Oslo, the Competition draws on its global network of opera companies, conservatoires and professionals to bring together 40 of the best young singers from around the world. The singers compete not only for its main prizes but also to receive coaching, masterclasses, career development sessions and international exposure.
For over 30 years, the Queen Sonja Singing Competition has been an important advocate for the unique power of the human voice, celebrating and inspiring participating singers and connecting them with audiences around the world.
Among the prize-winners of previous years are internationally renowned names such as Lise Davidsen, Daniel Behle, Nadine Sierra, Jacquelyn Wagner, Kristina Mkhitaryan, Elsa Dreisig, Sergey Kaydalov, Stefan Astakhov, Liv Redpath, Maria Motolygina and Inna Demenkova.
Schedule
Opening Ceremony
Wednesday 16 August
6.00 pm Oslo City Hall
Host: Oslo council by Mayor Marianne Borgen
For invited guests
Preliminary rounds
Thursday 17 and Friday 18 August
Main Stage, Oslo National Academy of the Arts
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
1.45 pm – 3.00 pm
3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
20 contestants each day
The results will be announced at approximately 8.00 pm on Friday, August 18
Semi-final
Sunday 20 August
Main Stage, Oslo National Academy of the Arts
1.00 pm – 2.20 pm
3.00 pm – 4.20 pm
5.00 pm – 6.20 pm
12 contestants
The results will be announced at approximately 8.00 pm
Final concert
Saturday 26 August
6.00 pm (5.45 pm) Main House, The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
6 finalists perform opera arias with the Norwegian National Opera Orchestra
Conductor J. Gaffigan
Masterclasses
Tuesday 22 August
4 pm – 6 pm Oslo National Academy of the Arts
Masterclass in stagecraft with Stefan Herheim
