IS HERE • POFIVC'25 •
IS HERE • POFIVC'25 •
Welcome, Friends! Our 2025 events are here.
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 competition, like in previous years, will feature two distinct tracks! Contestants from around the world will submit their materials online for the Qualifying Round. If selected for the Semi-Finals, one can choose to compete either Live in New York City, Virtually Worldwide, or both—each platform offering separate prizes, maximizing opportunities for every participant.
9th Annual Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition + Professional Casting Auditions
Our competition has a rich history of success stories. Last year, we awarded our largest prize pool to date—$50,000 in prizes, special awards, and contracts! Beyond the financial rewards, the impact on artists' careers has been remarkable. Over the past few years, as a direct result of the international jury that we curate, we can confirm that numerous winners have secured major international professional contracts and made role debuts with prestigious companies such as Bayerisches Staatsoper, Staatsoper Stuttgart, Stadttheater Bern, Opera Nacional de Chile, Danish Royal Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and New York City Opera. Many winners have also signed with top management agencies like IMG Artists and Premiere Artists. Additionally, others have been accepted into elite young artist programs, including Opernhaus Zürich, Houston Grand Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and the San Francisco Opera's Merola and Adler Programs. Our alumni have gone on to achieve even greater success, winning international competitions like Operalia, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, and the Viñas Competition.
This year, we’re proud to again host an esteemed jury of International Casting Directors, Young Artist Program Directors, Agents, and Industry Influencers. What sets our competition apart from any other in New York is that our jury includes these international casting directors who are actively casting roles for major productions, program directors offering spots in prestigious young artist programs, and agents actively seeking new talent to add to their rosters.
As the only New York-based competition with such a truly international reach, world-class casting opportunities, and no age or citizenship restrictions, your career can be launched right here—and we’re excited to hear you!
2025 INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION
FORMAT
The competition for 2025 will have two platforms. You chose your competition track.
The Competition starts for with our Qualifying Round and then our two (2) subsequent Rounds (subdivided into “Semi-Finals” and “Finals”).
All Qualifying Round submissions are completed virtually from anywhere in the world by submitting your materials via our Online Registration Form.
Those chosen as Semifinalists may choose their track — LIVE IN NEW YORK, VIRTUAL, or BOTH. These Semifinal auditions also serve your Professional Casting Audition.
The Live in New York Semi-Finalists will be required to sing live in New York for the entire panel on December 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Finalists are selected for both the Virtual and Live platforms respectively.
No Age Limit Requirements & No Citizenship Restrictions.
Early Registration Deadline: October 28th
Regular Registration Deadline: November 20th
*DEADLINE EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 28*
(If you are an established in-career artist or an emerging singer who would like to NOT to be considered as part of the competition component, but who would like to sing an audition Live in New York for the Casting Directors, please Go Here for the Details, Registration, and to Schedule your Pro-Casting Audition only.)
QUALIFYING ROUND
Submission of materials through our Online Registration including one (1) to two (2) Audio or Video performance links in any language and any style. Recordings should be recent (within the past 18 months).
Early Registration Fee: $55
Regular Registration Fee: $75
The inability to pay an application fee should never be a barrier to register for the competition. Fee waiver requests are available for singers who demonstrate significant financial need. For more details Go Here.
What’s Included with submission:
Professional Review: All applicant’s materials will be reviewed by our Qualifying Round Jury consisting of select members of Premiere Opera Foundations Board and Advisory Council.
Career Development Seminar: All applicants will be able to take part in a future seminar virtually or live with distinguished consultants and industry insiders.
Masterclass: All applicants will be able to take part in a future masterclass virtually or live, and a few will be chosen to sing on the class, taught by a true master of the craft.
Finals Concert: Discounted admission to our Live Finals Concert at Carnegie Hall.
COMPETE VIRTUALLY: SEMI-FINALS
Up to 100 Singers will be chosen to advance to the Virtual Semi-Final Round.
Each Semi-Finalist will be required to submit two (2) videos of arias in any language and style. You may submit the same recording(s) as in the Qualifying Round. These selections must be with piano accompaniment, not orchestral accompaniment.
What’s Included:
Professional Review: All Semi-Finalist video submissions will be presented to the entire Virtual Jury of International Casting Directors, Agents, and Theater Consultants like a live-stream of auditions, that they will watch in order just like a typical round of auditions.
International Theater Pledge: Establishes that a select number of the Casting Directors whose Theaters are part of our Virtual Jury, pledge their intent to offer Stage Auditions at their respective companies for select Virtual Semi-Finalists:
Live Feedback - There will be an optional Live Feedback Add-On for Virtual Semi-Finalists that will be a private 25 minute in depth session with at least 2 jury members that will be scheduled via Zoom after the competition. (Add-on via your application).
If your videos are chosen to be presented for the Virtual Semi-Finals, there will be a $100 registration fee to secure your spot in the presentation to the jury.
Please note that this round of the competition will serve as the Virtual Professional Casting Auditions portion of the competition.
COMPETE LIVE: SEMI-FINALS
Up to 100 singers will be chosen to advance to the Live Semi-Final Round in New York.
Each Semi-Finalist will be required to sing live in New York on December 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
What’s Included:
Sing Live in New York: Sing a Live Audition in New York in the heart of the Lincoln Center area at a wonderful hall, for the entire Live Jury of International Casting Directors, Agents, and Theater Consultants.
Pianist: A high level pianist will be provided for your audition or you can choose to bring your own at your own expense.
Professional Video Recording: Each Semi-Finalist will receive a professional quality video recording of their audition.
International Theater Pledge: Establishes that the Casting Directors whose Theaters are part of our Live Jury, pledge their intent to offer Professional Contracts and/or Stage Auditions for select Live Semi-Finalists:
Live Feedback: There will be an optional Live Feedback Add-On for Live Semi-Finalists that will be a private 25 minute in depth session with at least 2 jury members that will be scheduled via Zoom after the competition. (Add-on via your application).
If you are chosen to sing Live in New York in the Semi-Finals, there will be a $200 registration fee to secure your day and time slot to sing for the jury.
Please note that this round of the competition will serve as the Live Professional Casting Auditions portion of the competition.
VIRTUAL FINALS
Up to 15 singers will be chosen to advance from the Virtual Semi-Finals to the Virtual Finals.
All Finalists videos will be presented to the entire Virtual Jury, plus additional casting administrators, artist agencies, and industry influencers worldwide.
Winners of the Virtual Finals will be announced as part of the Live Finals Concert Livestream on December 13th or 14th which will be broadcast internationally on YouTube and other media platforms. We would encourage you to be present virtually during the Live Finals Concert Livestream but it is not required and will not affect you winning an award.
All Finalists will receive written feedback from the Premiere Opera Foundation team upon request.
LIVE FINALS
Up to 15 singers will be chosen to advance from the Live Semi-Finals to the Live Finals in New York on December 12th.
All finalists will be heard by the entire Live Jury, plus additional casting administrators, artist agencies, and industry influencers worldwide.
Finalists will sing at Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall), and the event will be open to the public.
A high level pianist will be provided for the Live Finals Concert. You cannot bring your own pianist for the Finals Concert.
The Live Finals Concert will be recorded for archival and promotional purposes.
Winners will be announced following the concert, and afterward, our Finals Reception will take place, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with the jury, as available.
All Finalists will receive written feedback from the Premiere Opera Foundation team upon request.
All Finalists will receive a high quality recording of their Live Finals performance.
PRIZES & AWARDS
Over $50,000 worth in cash prizes and special awards. Every finalist will receive a cash prize. You do not have to be a finalist to receive one of the special awards, including a contract or audition through the International Theater Pledge.
Prizes will be awarded across both the Virtual and Live platforms, doubling the amount of artists, and the international diversity of artists who can benefit. Major cash prizes, as well as Encouragement Awards, Study Grants, Audience Prizes, and other Special Awards! Plus, multiple Professional Casting/Contract Opportunities!
THE RENATA SCOTTO PRIZE FOR SOPRANO - A study grant in the amount of $5,000 awarded to the soprano who demonstrates exceptional artistry and vocal promise in repertoire that Renata Scotto performed on stage. This prize honors her legacy by encouraging young sopranos to continue the tradition of excellence and expressiveness that defined Scotto’s storied career. Sponsored by her longtime agent and friend, Robert Lombardo.
THE MARCELLO GIORDANI PRIZE FOR TENOR - A $5,000 award honoring the tenor who exemplifies exceptional artistry and vocal promise in the lyric lirico-spinto repertoire that defined the legendary career of Sicilian-Italian tenor Marcello Giordani, renowned for his laser-beam brilliant and soaring high notes that captivated audiences worldwide. This prestigious prize celebrates Marcello Giordani’s legacy by inspiring young tenors to uphold the tradition of extraordinary Italianate tenor singing. Sponsored by Marcello’s devoted wife, Wilma Aherns Giordani, Marcello’s voice teacher, Bill Schuman, Music director and soprano, Christina Vial, and Internationally acclaimed tenors, Michael Fabiano and Stephen Costello.
THE DMITRI HVOROTOVSKY PRIZE FOR BARITONE- A $5,000 award honoring the baritone who exemplifies exceptional artistry, musical depth, and commanding presence in the lyric and dramatic repertoire that defined the legendary career of Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky — celebrated for his burnished silver tone, noble bearing, and magnetic stage charisma that moved audiences across the globe. This prestigious prize celebrates Hvorostovsky’s legacy by inspiring young baritones to uphold the tradition of expressive power, elegance, and emotional truth that he embodied throughout his career. Sponsored by Maestro Constantine Orbelian of New York City Opera, Elisa Wagner of International Creative Productions, Eric Margiore and the Premiere Opera Foundation, Dr. Hayk Hovhannisyan, Esq., and Vicki Hovanessian, Cultural Advisor to the Embassy of Armenia to the United States.
We are honored by your interest in our mission and are looking forward to hearing you!
JURY PANEL – 2025 INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION
Jury
VIRTUAL & LIVE TRACKS - Semi-Finals & Finals
(Alphabetical by last name – all serve on both competition tracks)
GUY BARZILAY – President & Founder
Guy Barzilay Artists Management
ALAN FISCHER – former Chair, Vocal Music Department
The Governor’s School for the Arts
CHRISTIAN FIRMBACH – Intendant & Artistic Director
Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe
XINGWA HAO – Vice President & Vocal Consultant
Premiere Opera Foundation; The New Top 10 Tenors Of China
CHANDLER JOHNSON* - Director, Apprentice Program for Singers
Santa Fe Opera
DOMINIK LICHT – Casting & Artistic Planning
Royal Danish Opera; Salzburg Easter Festival
ERIC MARGIORE – President & General Director
Premiere Opera Foundation; Premiere Artists Management; Premiere Opera Vocal Arts Institute
SOFIA RUKIN - Artist Manager
TACT Artists Managment
KRISTIN SAMPSON – Executive Director & Artistic Administrator
Washington Opera Society, New York City Opera
MEGAN WESTON – General Director
Athena Music Foundation
*Denotes - Virtual Only
FINALS-ONLY JURY MEMBERS
(Join the panel for the Live Track Finals)
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE - World Renowned Tenor & Guest Faculty
Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala; The Juilliard School
JAYME BURZETTE – Managing Director
Muse Artists International Management
ADAM CIOFFARI – Artistic Administrator & Stage Director
San Diego Opera
JOHN FISHER - former Music Director, Artistic Director, Executive Producer Metropolitan Opera; Teatro alla Scala and La Fenice; Deutsche Grammophon
PRITI GANDHI - Associate Director & former Artistic Director
Metropolitan Opera - Laffont Competition; Portland Opera, Minnesota Opera, San Diego Opera
ROBERT LOMBARDO – President & Founder
Lombardo Associates Artist Management
MITCHELL PIPER – Executive Director & President
Piper Artist Management; Trentino Music Festival; Opera Managers Association International
Roles
FEATURED CASTING: The roles our jury’s casting directors are currently seeking — come sing for them live in New York City. More roles to be announced shortly!
Donizetti
Don Pasquale — Don Pasquale
Norina — Don Pasquale
Ernesto — Don Pasquale
Dottor Malatesta — Don Pasquale
Mozart
Tamino — Die Zauberflöte
Sarastro — Die Zauberflöte
Erste Dame — Die Zauberflöte
Dorabella — Così fan tutte
Guglielmo — Così fan tutte
Figaro — Le nozze di Figaro
Susanna — Le nozze di Figaro
Contessa Almaviva — Le nozze di Figaro
Conte Almaviva — Le nozze di Figaro
Cherubino — Le nozze di Figaro
Marcellina — Le nozze di Figaro
Bartolo — Le nozze di Figaro
Puccini
Butterfly — Madama Butterfly
Strauss
Arabella — Arabella
Matteo — Arabella
Verdi
Violetta — La Traviata
Alfredo — La Traviata
Wagner
Tannhäuser — Tannhäuser
Elisabeth — Tannhäuser
Venus — Tannhäuser
Erste Norn — Götterdämmerung
Gutrune — Götterdämmerung
Ensemble Member Fest Positions - Full Year (Germany)
Lyric Soprano
Mimi - La Bohème - Puccini
Contessa Almaviva – Le Nozze di Figaro – Mozart
Young Lyric Baritone
Conte Almaviva - Le Nozze di Figaro - Mozart
Papageno – Die Zauberflöte – Mozart
Young Character Tenor
Pedrillo – Die Entführung aus dem Serail – Mozart
Basilio – Le Nozze di Figaro – Mozart
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to take the next step in your career and be part of one of the most prestigious vocal competitions in the world. Applications are open now.
Compete in a prestigious, internationally recognized competition
Receive expert feedback from an esteemed jury of opera professionals
Gain valuable exposure to leading opera institutions and artist managers