Competition guide
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Everything you need to know about the competition - past, present and future |
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Cardiff Singer of the World, as it was known until this year, was started by BBC Wales in 1983 and in the 20 years since it has 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
Of the 951 hopeful singers who applied this year, 483 were shortlisted for audition. They represented 56 nations and were heard in 40 locations across 30 countries around the world. The shortlist was finally narrowed down to 25 singers, with two reserves.
Taking part
In the main Competition, singers were 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 were 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 - some competitors, for example Lisa Gasteen, the winner in 1991, choose only operatic repertoire. For the first time this year the Song Prize has received a boost in its status by becoming a separate event, the BBC Singer of the World Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize.
Full details about the prizes, including the Audience Prize, another innovation this year.
Masterclass events
Some of the competitors who don't reach the Final have the chance to take part in a Masterclass with one of the distinguished singers on the Jury. This year, these were Gundula Janowitz, Sherrill Milnes and Dennis O'Neill.
There was another Masterclass event for the first time this year. Keen amateur singers had the chance to sing to American diva Barbara Bonney and reap the benefit of her advice and experience.
Big Screen Relay
For those who couldn't get a ticket for the Final, this Big Screen Relay in the Coal Exchange was the next best thing!
Encore Club
Yet another innovation this year was our exclusive pre- and post-concert Club in Cardiff city centre to relax, have a chat and a drink with like-minded music fans.
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