Competition announcement 2026

The competition is open to singers from all nationalities aged at least 18 years on the opening day of the competition and born on or after

·         1 September 1994 (for female candidates)

·         1 September 1991 (for male candidates)

Application opens in November 2025.

Application deadline: 27 April 2026.

Early bird application deadline: 27 February 2026.

APPLICATION MATERIAL

The following materials must be uploaded via the English-language online application form on the competition’s website:

·         A completed application form including full competition repertoire

·         A photocopy of a valid passport

·         A personal portrait photograph (jpg, min. 1 MB, 300 dpi) for professional use

·         A biography (max. 1000 characters) including professional studies, as well as competitions, master classes and stage experiences over the last three years.

·         Video recordings of two arias of the applicant’s choice matching the following criteria: one Baroque aria (or an excerpt from an opera, oratorio, cantata) and one opera aria from a different period. Only high quality (mp4, max. 250 MB each) and recent recordings (taken on or after 1 October 2025) will be accepted. Audio recordings and other video formats will not be considered. The recordings should show the applicant and his/her accompaniment (pianist, orchestra etc.) and each piece should be recorded in a single take (no editing permitted). Works presented on this recording may be included in the programme of the live competition.

Only complete applications (containing all required materials) will be considered.

A preselection jury headed by Prof. Emer. Éva Marton will decide on acceptance.

CONFIRMATION ON QUALIFICATION:

Information on the qualification to the live competition will be communicated by 20 May 2026.

Application fee: 200 EUR

Early bird fee: 100 EUR (for those who apply before 27 February 2026.)

The fee shall be paid only by candidates approved to the live rounds. The Secretariat of the competition will inform the approved candidates about payment details.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION

Competitors pay their own travel costs, and if applicable, accomodation.

Many students of the Liszt Academy warmly offer free private accommodation in their homes, an option that competitors are welcome to choose.

Organizers will cover the accommodation for the contestants approved to the Final, in case they stay at a hotel recommended by the Secretariat, for the days of the Final and the Gala concert.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE AND PERFORMANCE

Preliminary

A Liszt song and two arias of different style and character.

Candidates will present the Liszt-song and one of the two arias up to their choice. The second aria will only be performed if requested by the Jury.

You can find information about the Liszt songs here:

http://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/~db/0001/bsb00017009/images/

https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/0001/bsb00017010/images/

http://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/~db/0001/bsb00017011/images/

Semi-final

Two arias of different style and character. Candidates will present both.

Final

Three arias of different style and character to be chosen from the list of opera arias.

One aria chosen by the Candidate and one by the Jury will be performed with orchestra in the final.

BASIC GUIDELINES

All pieces in all rounds are to be memorised, in the original key and original language, and in full version (including recitativo, cabaletta, stretta if relevant).

All selected arias are to be listed on the application form.

The organizers provide piano accompanists for all candidates upon request. Please indicate in the application form if you wish to come with your own accompanist.

PRIZES OF THE COMPETITION

1st Prize                                                                                  30.000 EUR

2nd Prize                                                                                 20.000 EUR

3rd Prize                                                                                  10.000 EUR

Special prize by Eva Marton                                                  10.000 EUR

Prizes cannot be divided. Prizes are subject to tax as required by Hungarian taxation laws.

Several special prizes and concert engagements will also be offered to the finalists.

Please find the detailed Competition Rules here