Competition

Evaluation System

Our evaluation system

Round 1

In the first round, only complete applications with correct information and videos will be admitted to the evaluation process.

The evaluation process will take place after the application deadline. The videos will be viewed by Brian Dickie, former general director of the Chicago Opera Theatre, Sophie Joyce, casting director of Opéra National de Paris, and Evamaria Wieser, casting director of the Salzburg Festival.

A uniform scoring system will be used to ensure evaluations are consistent and transparent. Based on the video recordings, the jury will decide who qualifies for live auditions (round 2).

Applicants will be notified by email about the jury’s decision in early/mid-April 2024. 

Decisions taken are incontestable.

Round 2

In the second round, the jurors, Brian Dickie, Sophie Joyce or Evamaria Wieser will be on site.

They will evaluate singers’ performances in four categories.

These are:

  • Technical skill
  • Musical presentation (rhythm, phrasing, expression)
  • Vocal quality
  • Artistic personality

 

All four criteria are of equal value. 0 - 5 points are awarded per criterion. 5 points are the top score per criterion, a maximum score of 20 points can be achieved in total.

In case of a stalemate, age and development potential will determine qualification for the final round.

Decisions of the jury are final.

All participants in the second round will be informed of their results by e-mail approx. 2 weeks after their live audition. At the same time, evaluations (points awarded) can be viewed in the online application.

Round 3

The final round is divided into three parts:

First part: Live auditions with piano

Second part: Semi-final with piano

Third part: Final with orchestra

During auditions each member of the jury will evaluate singers’ performances in four categories.

These are:

  • Technical ability
  • Musical interpretation (rhythm, phrasing, expression
  • Voice quality
  • Artistic personality/presence


All four criteria are of equal value. 0 - 5 points are awarded per criterion. 5 points are the highest score per criterion, a maximum score of 20 points can be achieved.

Scoring is done in a concealed manner using iPads. After auditions are completed, all results are presented and discussed in the jury panel. In the event of a stalemate, age and development potential will determine qualification for the semi-final. A maximum of 20 singers may be nominated for participation in the semi-final.

Decisions taken are incontestable.

Once auditions are completed all candidates will be informed whether they have qualified for the semi-final. At the same time, individual assessments (points awarded) can be viewed in the online application.

In the semi-final each member of the jury will rank the participants. A maximum of 10 singers may be nominated to participate in the final.

In the final each member of the jury will evaluate again according to ranking order. Prizes will be awarded based on the ranking.

First, second and third prizes may be awarded more than once with the approval of the competition management.

The jury has an advisory function in awarding the special prizes.

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