International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition

Applications are open for the 2026 edition of the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, one of the world’s leading competitions for young opera singers.

Registration period: December 2025 – April 2026
Preliminary round fee: €65

Qualification rounds: February – May 2026
Held in 51 theatres worldwide
Repertoire: 2 arias of your own choice

Final Rounds: 31 May – 7 June 2026
at Dzintari Concert Hall (Jūrmala, Latvia)
Three stages: First Round, Semi-Finals, Finals

Age limit: singers born between 1994 and 2008.

For the Final Rounds, candidates present 5 arias (2 compulsory arias and 3 of their own choice).
Participation fee after qualification: €179.

A distinctive feature of the competition is its Final Opera Jury, composed exclusively of artistic directors and casting directors from major opera houses. In addition, a Media Jury (7 members) is present in the Finals. Engagements are traditionally offered not only to prize winners, but also to other outstanding participants in the final rounds.

Further details and information about audition cities are available on the official competition website.

Details