The XV Elena Obraztsova International Young Opera Singers Competition opened in St. Petersburg to mark the 85th anniversary of the renowned artist’s birth. The event gathered attention from across the music world as organizers outlined the program and judging criteria, underscoring Elena Obraztsova’s enduring legacy in nurturing young vocal talent. The competition is presented by the Elena Obraztsova Cultural Center, which coordinates the artistic direction and public presentation of the event.
A thorough selection process brought together a diverse pool of applicants. After a rigorous review of applications, the organizing committee reported that 90 singers from a wide geographic range were invited to participate. The participant list spanned countries and regions including Russia, Abkhazia, Austria, Armenia, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, China, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and France. In total, more than 400 applications were considered, reflecting strong interest in this prestigious competition and its mission to spotlight emerging operatic talent.
The competition’s first round centers on performance of arias from operas, cantatas, and oratorios composed between the 17th and 19th centuries. The repertoire was designed to test a range of vocal qualities, expressive depth, and interpretive insight. From this field, 15 contestants will advance to the final stage, where the artistry and technique of the finalists will be showcased before juries and audiences alike. The award ceremony and gala concert for the winners are scheduled for July 27, offering a vivid culmination to a closely watched artistic journey.
In related programming, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow announced the final premiere of its 248th season, presenting Ruggero Leoncavallo’sPagliacci, a production that continues the theatre’s long tradition of premiering significant operatic works. The season’s closing artistic statements reinforce the strong link between historic institutions and contemporary performers who carry the operatic tradition forward.
Additionally, the festival known as the Purple Movement has been highlighted in Moscow as part of the broader cultural calendar, underscoring the city’s vibrant scene for opera and related arts. This alignment of events reflects a shared commitment to celebrating vocal excellence, innovative staging, and the transfer of classical repertoire to new audiences. [Source: Elena Obraztsova Cultural Center]