The NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition is held every two years. In 2026, it will take place for the 21st time. Through this initiative, the Liz Mohn Foundation offers young singing talents from around the world a major opportunity to pursue their dream of a future in opera. In addition to the renowned singing competition with its worldwide preliminary auditions and the masterclass, there are further project components, all designed to prepare and support young singers sustainably as they embark on their individual career paths.
Competition Calendar
- 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
Cash Prizes
NEUE STIMMEN awards a total of €60,000 in prize money in the final to the top three women and men:
Women
- 1st Prize: €15,000
- 2nd Prize: €10,000
- 3rd Prize: €5,000
Men
- 1st Prize: €15,000
- 2nd Prize: €10,000
- 3rd Prize: €5,000
Special Prizes
- Audience Prize Endowed with €1,000.
- Junior Jury Prize Endowed with €1,000. With this award, NEUE STIMMEN aims to inspire more young people to engage with opera and to include what matters to the next generation of audiences—on and off the stage.
- Brian Dickie Young Talent Award Endowed with €5,000.
- Patagonia Voice Award Performance at the Teatro del Lago in Chile.
