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Introduction
Everything you need to know about the competition - past, present and future |
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The Competition was started by BBC Wales in 1983 as Cardiff Singer of the World and has since become the premier singing competition in the world. Find out more about the Competition's history.
Hundreds of talented young singers from all around the world apply to take part in the Competition, knowing that even reaching the stage of St David's Hall will bring them the sort of exposure that can provide a huge stepping-stone in their career progression.
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.
Selection for the Competition
Over 700 hopeful singers applied this year, of whom 507 were shortlisted for audition. They represented 62 nations and were heard in 39 locations around the world. The shortlist was finally narrowed down to 25 singers, with three reserves.
Taking part
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. Full rules.
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. The Song Prize received a boost in its status by becoming a separate event in 2003, the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize. This year, there will also be a separate final for this prize.
Full details about the prizes, including the Audience Prize, which returns this year.
Masterclasses
Some of the competitors who don't reach the Final have the chance to take part in a Masterclass with one of the distinguished Jury members.
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