Season tickets for this year's competition are being snapped up by music lovers from around the globe and now is the time to book yours before the sale of remaining single tickets begins next month.

The names and countries of the 25 singers who will compete at St David's Hall and the New Theatre, Cardiff will be revealed on 5 March when any single tickets available will go on sale at both venues.

Preparing to make the journey to Cardiff is the competition's patron Dame Joan Sutherland.

"Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see exceptional young singers at the start of great careers and it is with great pleasure that I will once again be joining everyone at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition," said Dame Joan, from her home in Switzerland.

"It will be a joy to be back in Wales for a truly remarkable week and I look forward to hearing some interesting songs as well as the great operatic arias sung by artists whose names may soon be famous across the world."

Each of the singers will take part in one of the concerts from Sunday June 7 to Thursday June 11 2009 and five will be chosen to take part in the final at St David's Hall on Sunday 14 June.

The jury of distinguished musicians includes: Giacomo Aragall, Dame Gwyneth Jones, Kurt Moll, Ann Murray and Helmut Deutsch, some of whom will also be sharing their skill and experience in Master Classes on 13 June.

The Song Prize has attracted 21 of the 25 competitors and this event opens at the New Theatre on the evening of Saturday 6 June, followed by three afternoon recitals on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The final is at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Friday 12 June. The accompanists are Simon Lepper, Phillip Thomas and Llŷr Williams.

• Season ticket bookings can be made by post, telephone, online or in person from St David's Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH. Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 8444, or visit stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk.
• Single tickets go on sale on 5 March

If you would enjoy a regular informal newsletter to keep up to date with events in the time leading up to - and during - competition week, you can subscribe via the newsletter page.

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