The enrollment to the 80th edition of the International Singing Competition (formerly known as “European Community” Competition for Young Opera Singers) of Teatro Lirico Sperimentale has commenced and it will be host at the Teatro Caio Melisso of Spoleto 25th – 28th February 2026.
The jury – chaired by Mr. Donato Renzetti (conductor) – will consist of Ms. Maria Agresta (soprano), Mr. Saverio Clemente (artist manager), Mr. Enrico Girardi (Teatro Lirico Sperimentale artistic director) and Mr. Giancarlo Landini (music critic).
Once again this year, «If you dare, you’ll debut» is the competition’s motto. It reminds us of the historical city institution’s dual purpose. Since 1947, the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale has been selecting young emerging singers in order to direct them towards the singing career and – thanks to a two-year educational plan – gives them the opportunity to make their debut on the opera stage.
The competition is open to sopranos, tenors and countertenor who will be under the age of 32 on 1st January 2026, and to altos, basses and baritones who will be under the age of 34 on 1st January 2026. Applicants must also be citizens of one of the 27 EU countries, or from other countries listed on the competition announcement.
Registration will be online: candidates can fill out the application directly on the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale website, indicating their preferred time slot for the audition (from those available at the time of application). Deadline for the enrollment will be 4th February 2026. The public announcement and the application form are available on: https://www.tls-belli.it/concorso-di-canto-2026/.
As for those singers who do not qualify to participate in the competition, free auditions will be held on 1st March 2026, at the Teatro Caio Melisso. For further information, public announcement and application form: https://www.tls-belli.it/libere-audizioni-2026/.
The International Singing Competition has been supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture, by the Umbria Region, Spoleto City Council and Cassa di Risparmio Foundation in Spoleto.
