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.

Five finalists are chosen from five preliminary concerts, each involving five singers, but it is by no means a foregone conclusion that each preliminary concert will yield a finalist, as it is the five singers with the highest marks overall who take part in the final.

The Song Prize is awarded to the best performance of Lieder or art song throughout the competition and its winner is not necessarily a finalist. It isn't compulsory to enter for the Song Prize.

Master classes

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.