About Cardiff Singer
Established in 1983, this biennial competition quickly became known throughout the classical world as the premier showcase for opera and concert singers at the start of their careers.
Hundreds of talented young singers from all around the world apply to take part in the competition, hoping to be among the 20 who come to the capital of Wales to represent their country.
All eyes are on Cardiff during one week every other June - agents, managers, opera house directors, impresarios - whether they are in the city or experiencing the competition via the TV, radio and web broadcasts.
This biennial competition takes place in the June of odd-numbered years. The competitors, selected by worldwide auditions, sing before a panel of distinguished jurors and equally discerning audiences in the Land of Song itself.
In the main competition, singers are required to demonstrate their prowess in the disciplines of opera or concert music. During the course of the competition, well over 100 pieces of music are performed - operatic arias, solo arias from sacred works and songs, all with full orchestral accompaniment.
Each competitor sings in one of the four preliminary concerts, and the five singers with the highest marks overall take part in the final.
The recipient of the Audience Prize is decided by members of the public both in the hall and watching and listening at home. It is awarded to any of the competitors in the main competition, whether or not they reach the final.
Some of the competitors who don't reach the final have the chance to take part in a master class with one of the distinguished jury members.
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World is organised by BBC Cymru Wales in association with Welsh National Opera and is supported by the City and County of Cardiff.
The prizes
There are three opportunities to win honours in BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World
The competition takes place in St David's Hall, with 20 competitors selected from worldwide auditions performing their own choice of opera and concert works with symphony orchestra.
Five finalists are selected by an international jury to take part in the final.
The winner receives £15,000 and a trophy. He or she also may be offered high-profile engagements with the BBC and Welsh National Opera.
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize
Singers selected for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World are also eligible to take part in the Song Prize. It is not compulsory to enter the Song Prize, and it is not possible to enter the Song Prize only.
Repertoire consists of the singer's choice of Lieder, art song and folk song, and is performed with piano accompaniment.
Recitals take place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, with five finalists being selected by the international jury to take part in the final at St David's Hall.
The winner receives £5,000 and a trophy, and could have the chance to join BBC Radio 3's BBC New Generation Artists Scheme.
Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize
Members of the audience, in the hall and at home, can take part in a telephone vote to select the winner of this prize, which has been re-named in honour of the competition's late patron.
The prize of £2,000 and a trophy can be awarded to any of the 20 competitors, whether or not they are selected for the final of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.
