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Application and Organisation

NEUE STIMMEN 2026

The journey to NEUE STIMMEN begins with good preparation. To ensure you’re well-informed, we’ve compiled all the important details about the application and the competition process for you.

Here you will find everything you need to know – from the appropriate repertoire to the audition process, as well as evaluation criteria and dress code.
  • Application period: December 8, 2025 – February 1, 2026
  • Preliminary auditions: April – June 2026
  • Final round: October 3 – October 10, 2026
  • Semifinal: October 7, 2026
  • Final: October 9, 2026
  • Singers of all nationalities who aspire to a professional opera career
  • Singers born on October 11, 1995 or later
  • No exceptions can be made regarding the age limit
  • We reserve the right to exclude participants from the competition due to political developments

Please have the following information ready for your online application:

  • Personal details and your selected audition location for the second round
  • Repertoire for the second round (five arias from the mandatory repertoire)
  • Education
  • Two references
  • Video recordings of two opera arias, one video per aria (see below)
  • Copy of passport or ID card with photo and date of birth
  • Portrait photo

There are no application fees!
We only accept complete applications with accurate information.

Video recordings of two opera arias:

Your two opera arias must meet the following requirements:

  • The arias must come from two different operas within the standard opera repertoire
  • They must represent two different musical styles
  • They must be sung in two different languages, each in the original language
  • They must be performed in their original keys
  • Both arias must correspond to the same vocal category
  • Both arias must be performed in full, including any preceding recitative if applicable
  • Both arias must be sung from memory
  • Both arias for the video audition may be chosen from the competition’s mandatory repertoire, but this is not required
  • Both videos must not be older than 6 months

Technical Requirements:

  • One video per aria
  • Both videos must be submitted in MP4 format
  • Each aria must be recorded in a single take
  • The audio must not be edited afterwards!
  • Recordings must be fully live and accompanied by piano only (no pre-recorded backing tracks, no orchestra accompaniment)
  • Watch our tutorial video “How to produce a good audition video” before you start. It guides you step by step through producing your own audition video.
  • You can find the checklist from the video »here
  • A tutorial video is available »here

For the second round, you must select five arias from the required repertoire as follows:

Three arias from three of the following periods:

period 1: 1600 – 1750
period 2: 1750 – 1830
period 3: 1830 - early 20th century
period 4: 20th century

Two Arias, from different operas/periods

Freely selectable.
One of the arias may come from a operetta.

The selection of these five arias applies to the live auditions and the final round. You may choose arias that you have already performed in the video audition.

All chosen arias must be prepared in full, in the original language, in the original key, and with the corresponding recitative. In all live auditions and orchestral concerts, the arias will be sung in the tuning of 440 Hz, including the Baroque arias.

Required repertoire

Travel and Accommodation Expenses

We will reimburse travel expenses for the finals in Gütersloh as follows:

  • up to €1,300 for participants from Asia, Australia, South Africa, North and South America
  • up to €600 for participants from Eastern Europe
  • up to €300 for participants from Western Europe

For the reimbursement of travel expenses, we accept original receipts, scanned receipts, as well as photocopies. The shortest distance between Gütersloh and the participant’s residence must be maintained.

For participants in the final round, we will cover accommodation costs. However, this applies only to overnight stays booked by the Liz Mohn Foundation. We do not cover any additional hotel costs (phone, fax, cleaning, minibar, etc.).

Clothing

Please be mindful of appropriate attire for the finals. Evening wear at the concerts is a must.

  • Direct qualification for the final round is not possible
  • Incomplete applications or incorrect information will result in disqualification
  • The organiser reserves the right not to accept all applicants
  • NEUE STIMMEN prize winners are not eligible to apply again
  • Prize winners (1st to 3rd prize) are required to participate in the Prizewinners’ Concert in spring 2027 in Berlin
Apply now