INTERNATIONAL OPERA SINGING COMPETITION “GIULIO NERI” 2025
TORRITA DI SIENA / 17th Edition / May 1–4, 2025
COMPETITION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Municipality of Torrita di Siena and the Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte are pleased to present and organize the 17th edition of the International Opera Singing Competition “Giulio Neri”.
OFFICIAL REGULATIONS
1. The 17th edition of the International Opera Singing Competition “Giulio Neri” will take place in Torrita di Siena (Siena), Italy, from May 1 to May 4, 2025. The competition is open to opera singers of any nationality and age.
2. Singers wishing to participate must submit their applications online at the official website www.concorsogiulioneri.it
A brief curriculum vitae must also be included.
Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, April 14, 2025. Applications received after this date may only be accepted by the Competition Jury in cases of significant and verified reasons.
3. Participants must prepare four opera arias of their choice, to be performed in their original language and key. The competition committee reserves the right to request copies or scans of scores that are otherwise unavailable.
4. The registration fee is €80.00 and must be paid using the following methods:
– Bank transfer to: Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte
Reason for payment: CONCORSO “GIULIO NERI” REGISTRATION (NAME SURNAME)
IBAN: IT96G0848925601000000901427
SWIFT: ICRAITRRDL0 (Banca Tema)
– PayPal to: info@fondazionecantiere.it
No other forms of payment will be accepted. Failure to pay the registration fee will result in automatic disqualification.
5. The competition provides two pianists free of charge for participants during the various rounds. Contestants may also bring their own accompanists at their own expense. The choice of accompanist must be indicated when submitting the application.
6. A draw to determine the order of performances will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the presence of the Mayor of Torrita di Siena or a designated representative. The draw will be streamed live on the competition’s official channels. Participants will receive an email notification with their scheduled date and time. Changes to the schedule may occur due to organizational needs and will be promptly communicated.
Singers must present themselves at the Teatro degli Oscuri (Piazza Matteotti, Torrita di Siena) at the assigned time with valid identification.
7. Rehearsals with the competition’s pianists are scheduled exclusively for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No exceptions will be made. Semifinalists and finalists will also have the opportunity to rehearse on May 3 and 4, 2025.
8. The competition consists of three rounds: preliminary, semifinal, and final. All rounds are open to the public.
– Preliminary Round: Held on May 1–2, 2025. Participants will perform two arias of their choice from their application repertoire. The Jury may request only one aria.
– Semifinal Round: Held on May 3, 2025. Contestants will perform one or more arias chosen by the Jury from their remaining repertoire. The Jury may request to hear arias previously performed in the preliminary round.
– Final Round: Held as a concert on May 4, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Participants will perform the aria selected by the Jury. The awards ceremony and the winner’s performance will follow.
The audience will vote for a special Audience Prize during the final round using ballots provided at the beginning of the performance.
9. Semifinalists who do not advance will receive a Certificate of Participation. Non-winning finalists will receive a Diploma of Merit.
10. Changes to the submitted repertoire will not be accepted after April 14, 2025. Requests for changes must be made in writing to info@concorsogiulioneri.it with the subject “17th CONCORSO GIULIO NERI” and accompanied by relevant scores if the official accompanist is needed.
11. Jury members will not evaluate participants with whom they have personal or professional connections. Each juror will sign a declaration to this effect upon assuming their role.
12. Total prize pool: €5,600.00
– 1st Prize: €2,000 and certificate
– 2nd Prize: €1,000 and certificate
– 3rd Prize: €600 and certificate
Special Prizes
– Giulio Neri Prize: €700 for the best bass voice finalist
– Audience Prize: €400 and certificate
– Young Talent Prize: €600 for singers born on or after January 1, 2000
– Claudio Desderi Jury Prize: €300 and certificate
13. The Jury reserves the right to withhold awards or special prizes. All decisions are final and binding.
14. Participants may be recommended by the Jury for auditions or productions at theaters, opera houses, or the Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte.
15. By entering the competition, participants consent to the recording and use of their performances, including photography, audio, and video, without compensation. Rights will be granted for global and unlimited use in any format.
For further details, please visit the competition’s official website.