Competition 2026

Find all the details you need to know to apply for the Romana Vaccaro Singing Competition below

Apply now
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The competition

The International ROMANA VACCARO Singing Competition was founded to support exceptional young singers on their path toward an international opera career.

Unlike many traditional competitions, the focus is not only on ranking participants, but on providing genuine artistic opportunities and long-term support.

Participants perform in front of an international jury of distinguished opera singers, artistic directors, and industry professionals connected to major opera houses and concert institutions throughout Europe and beyond

  • 24 August 2026 – First Round
    25 August 2026 – Second Round
    26 August 2026 – Final Round

    27–28 August 2026 – International Masterclass
    with the singing professors
    Elena Moșuc, Francesca Patanè and Maurizio Scarfeo

    30 August 2026 – Grand Gala Concert
    Featuring the prize winners of the International Romana Vaccaro Singing Competition 2026 and selected singers from the 2026 Masterclass.

  • COMPETITION INFORMATION

    The competition is open to singers of all nationalities pursuing a professional operatic career.
    No age limit.

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    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Please submit through our website (Apply now):

    * Copy of passport or ID
    * Portrait photo
    * Short artistic biography / CV
    * Voice category
    * Video recording of one opera aria
    * Selection of five preferred competition arias
    Proof of payment of the registration fee

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    REPERTOIRE

    Each candidate must prepare five arias.

    * All arias must be performed in the original key
    * One aria may be an operetta aria
    * All arias must be sung from memory

    First Round
    Candidates may freely choose the aria they wish to perform.

    Second Round & Final Round
    The repertoire will be selected by the jury from the submitted program list.

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    APPLICATION DEADLINE

    Applications are accepted only through our website till 15.08.2026

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    REGISTRATION FEE

    The registration fee is 80€ (non-refundable) and needs to be paid at the time of the application to the bank account of Opera Classica with the IBAN: DE59 5109 1500 0001 5131 50

  • 1st Prize – Choice of your dream role — we will produce the opera next year

    2nd Prize – Concert appearance and a major role in one of our opera productions (past venues include the Alte Oper Frankfurt, Markgräfliches Opernhaus Bayreuth, the Elbphilharmonie, etc.)

    3rd Prize – Concert appearance in one of our gala concerts

    Masterclass Prize
    All prize winners of the competition will receive free participation in the International Masterclass 2026

    Special Prizes
    Additional concert engagements, opera invitations, and special artistic opportunities may be awarded by the jury and partner institutions

  • Participants are welcome to bring their own pianist. An official competition pianist will also be available for candidates who require accompaniment. If you wish to use the official pianist, please submit the piano score in PDF format together with your application.

  • Competition:
    Hilchenhaus
    Rheinstraße 48
    65391 Lorch am Rhein

Application process

Application through Website

Fill in all necessary details and apply for the competition.

First Round

The preliminary round takes place in Lorch am Rhein.

Second Round

A selection of singers will make it to the semifinal that takes place at the Hilchenhaus.

Final Round

The best singers will make it to the final round. The winners will then perform in a gala concert with Orchestra.