International Singing Competition in Spoleto — free registration.
OPERA MUNDUS Vox Futuri
Opera Mundus – Vox Futuri is an international opera singing competition dedicated to highlighting the talent of a new generation of artists, with two age categories for singers Under 26 and Under 40.
The first edition, scheduled in Padua on 20 and 21 February 2026, offers a unique opportunity for emerging interpreters to meet leading professionals in the field, within a context that promotes merit, training and artistic growth.
The initiative is promoted by Opera Mundus APS ETS and takes place under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Culture and the European Parliament.
The competition is made possible thanks to the collaboration of partners who firmly believe in the value of culture, education and young talent. Each of them contributes concretely to the quality and realisation of the event.
Ferrari and Salimbeni Foundation
The Ferrari and Salimbeni Foundation supports the first edition of the Opera Mundus – Vox Futuri Competition with great sensitivity, offering dedicated prizes for young singers and contributing significantly to the realisation of the event.
Inspired by the deep love for opera of its founders, the Foundation promotes training, music education and the artistic development of new generations, with particular attention to the Veneto region.
We express our sincere gratitude to President Dr Ferruccio Salimbeni, who carries forward with dedication the vision he shared with the late Dr Maurizio Ferrari: supporting emerging talent, encouraging artistic growth and keeping the operatic tradition alive through high-level cultural initiatives.
Their support is a precious gesture of trust in our project and in the future of opera.
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo (CARIPARO)
The Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo (CARIPARO) supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri International Competition with a fundamental contribution to its organisation.
Long committed to promoting culture, social development and education in the region, Fondazione Cariparo invests in projects that enhance talent, access to culture and opportunities for younger generations.
Its support is for us an important recognition and a sign of confidence in the mission of Opera Mundus APS ETS: offering young opera singers real spaces, opportunities and tools for artistic growth.
We are deeply grateful to the Foundation for choosing to accompany this project from its very first edition.
Nuovo IMAIE
Nuovo IMAIE supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri Competition by contributing to its organisation and offering two scholarships for young performers: one for a female voice Under 26 and one for a male voice Under 26.
The Institute, long committed to protecting the rights of performers and recording artists, promotes projects that highlight emerging talent and support the professional journey of new generations in the performing arts.
The presence of Nuovo IMAIE among the partners of the competition represents an important recognition for Opera Mundus APS ETS and a sign of trust in our mission: to create real opportunities for growth for young singers and to support their artistic future.
We are sincerely grateful to Nuovo IMAIE for choosing to accompany and strengthen this first edition.
Bettin Pianoforti
Bettin Pianoforti, a long-established company in the Padua area and a point of reference for the quality and craftsmanship of its instruments, supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri Competition as official Technical Partner.
With great availability and sensitivity, Bettin Pianoforti has provided the piano and digital piano needed for the semi-final, and is offering a professional tuning service for the final under particularly favourable conditions for our association.
For Opera Mundus APS ETS, sharing this collaboration with a renowned Padua-based company is a source of pride: it means bringing together two local organisations that deeply believe in music, quality and the growth of young talent.
We are sincerely grateful to Bettin Pianoforti for its concrete, expert and generous contribution to the realisation of the competition.
Art Hotel Al Fagiano
Located in the heart of Padua, just a few steps from the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Art Hotel Al Fagiano supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri Competition as Hospitality Partner.
This unique hotel, long recognised for its welcoming atmosphere and close connection with the arts, will host several members of our Jury and the Board of Opera Mundus APS ETS, while also offering special rates for the competition’s candidates.
The collaboration with such an outstanding hospitality venue in Padua’s historic centre is of particular value to our association: it means bringing together local organisations that believe in art, hospitality and support for young opera singers.
We are deeply grateful to Art Hotel Al Fagiano for the generosity, availability and care with which it accompanies this first edition of the competition.
Bärenreiter Publishing House
The Bärenreiter Publishing House, one of the most authoritative international publishers in the field of classical music, supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri Competition as a Technical and Cultural Partner.
Renowned for the excellence of its critical editions and the great care devoted to the operatic, symphonic and chamber music repertoire, Bärenreiter is an essential reference for singers, musicians and artistic institutions around the world.
For this edition, the Publishing House offers three special prizes: high-quality voice–piano scores from its professional series, accompanied by official Bärenreiter gifts as a memento of the competition.
We are truly honoured to count Bärenreiter among our partners, as its presence brings significant cultural value to the initiative.
We warmly thank the Publishing House for its support, its attention and the trust it has placed in our project.
Casa Vinicola Canella
The historic Venetian company Canella, famous for its iconic fruit cocktails such as Bellini, Rossini and Puccini, supports the first edition of the Vox Futuri Competition as a Technical–Cultural Partner.
With great generosity, Canella offers gifts for our singers and for the jury, and contributes to the most symbolic convivial moment of the event: the official celebratory toast that honours the finalists and closes the competition, accompanied by their renowned cocktails.
The collaboration with Canella brings a touch of elegance and genuine Venetian tradition to the competition, turning a simple toast into a gesture of celebration, culture and sharing.
We are deeply grateful to Canella for its support, its sensitivity and the care with which it has chosen to accompany this first edition.
Vox Futuri was created from the desire to keep opera alive by renewing its spirit through the voices of a new generation. The competition highlights the transformative power of singing and builds a concrete bridge between talent, training and future professional opportunities.
Prizes OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI
1° PRIZE € 1500,00
2° PRIZE € 1000,00
offered by
3° PRIZE € 500,00
AUDIENCE PRIZE chosen by the audience
during the final concert
PREMIO ENZO CARDINALE ?
Special Prizes Institutional and Sponsor
2 SCHOLARSHIPS € 500,00
offered by
SCHOLARSHIP – FEMALE VOICE #UNDER26 € 300,00
offered by
SCHOLARSHIP – MALE VOICE #UNDER26 € 300,00
offered by
3 BÄRENREITER PRIZES voice–piano editions
offered by
#INTERVISTAMUNDUS PRIZE exclusive interview
offered by
Partnership Prizes OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI PARTNERS
Offered by the project’s partners and supporters, these 23 prizes will be awarded directly by the promoting organisations or, on their behalf, by Opera Mundus during the Final Concert, an evening celebrating the strength, beauty and emotion of the human voice. Each prize is designed to offer visibility, growth and inspiration, opening doors to new collaborations and a future rich in artistic opportunities.
Scholarships
- Berlin Opera Academy (BOA) — €3.000 in tuition credit.
- Saluzzo Opera Academy (SOA) — €3.000 in tuition credit.
Competitions
- Concorso “Lazar Jovanović” —free registration.
- Corsica Lirica — free registration.
- Concorso Aliverta — free registration.
- Avigliano Opera Festival — free registration.
- Boris Martinovich — direct access to the final.
- Niccolò Van Westerhout — direct access to the final.
- Concorso Zanuccoli — free access to the semi-final.
- Cilea Opera Festival —
- free access to the semi-final.
- Opera’s Golden Voice (Batumi) — for the 1st–3rd prize-winners: free registration + direct access to the 2nd round.
- Amusando – Concorso T.O.S.C.A. — direct access to the final.
- Lions Club Milano Casa della Lirica — direct access to the semi-final.
- Associazione Amici della Musica
—“Città di Alcamo” Competition — direct access to the semi-final.
Masterclasses
- Associazione Musicale “Arturo Toscanini” — 50% discount on one masterclass.
- Palazzo Pesce — 50% discount on any masterclass.
- Agorà Lyric World — free participation in one seasonal masterclass (for 2 singers).
Artistic Opportunities
- Premio Voci In-Canto —roles in Tosca: Sciarrone (baritone/bass), Spoletta (tenor), Shepherd (soprano).
- Treviso Harmonia — paid participation in a gala concert.
- Norma Fantini Opera Contest — paid participation in a lyric gala.
- Amusando — tenor/countertenor part in Carmina Burana.
- Polimnia Cultura – one concert within one of its Seasons and the recording of an aria in a compilation of opera pieces by the composer F. Lattuada
Calendar OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI
Application deadline
1/02/2026 | 23:59:59
Announcement of semi-finalists
10/02/2026
Semi-final
20/02/2026
Teatro Polivalente – San Carlo Borromeo, Padua, Italy (Tram stop “Palasport”)
Jury and Artistic Direction OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI
Edoardo Bottacin
Artistic Director
Teatro Sociale di Rovigo
Giulio Ciabatti
Opera Stage Director
Cristina Ferrari
Artistic Director | Teatro Municipale di Piacenza
Director | Fondazione Teatri di Piacenza
Elena Filini
Journalist
Music Critic
Chiara Giordano
Artistic Director
Teatro Rendano, Cosenza
Elisabetta Tandura
Soprano
Voice Teacher
Federico Tondelli
Artist Manager
Prima Fila Artists
Alessandro Trebeschi
Artistic Secretary | Teatro Grande di Brescia
Casting Manager | Festival della Valle d’Itria
Andrea Corazzin
Rehearsal Pianist
Alessandro Feltrin
Rehearsal Pianist
Askar Lashkin
Artistic Director and creator of the “Vox Futuri” Competition
President of Opera Mundus APS ETS
The competition is organised by Opera Mundus APS ETS with the support of its Board:
Chiara Casarin, Vice-President
Ilaria Castellazzi, Vice-President
Sara Fanin, Board Member
Greta Leone, Board Member
Application OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI
Registration Fee Under26 – € 30,00 | Under40 – € 50,00
In caso di problemi con il modulo, vi preghiamo di contattarci via email.
Special Rates for Participants OPERA MUNDUS - VOX FUTURI
For singers registered in the Opera Mundus – Vox Futuri Competition, we are pleased to offer special agreements with selected partners in Padua for accommodation, food and hospitality.
DISCLAIMER
All details, participation procedures, deadlines, requirements and official information are set out in the competition announcement (Call for Applications).
By submitting the application form, candidates fully, consciously and unconditionally accept all the rules, conditions, clauses, organisational provisions and decisions of the jury contained in the official Call of Opera Mundus – Vox Futuri, as well as any additional communications and updates published on the same official Opera Mundus website.
Opera Mundus APS ETS © 2026 – Tutti i diritti riservati | Codice fiscale: 05643510281 | Iscritta al RUNTS: rep. n. 142512 prot. n. 0531658\15/10/2024 | operamundus@pec.it
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