XVIII INTERNATIONAL SINGING COMPETITION “GIULIO NERI”
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 6th, 2026
TORRITA DI SIENA – 18th Edition – 16–19 April 2026
The Municipality of Torrita di Siena and the Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte promote and organise the 18th edition of the International Opera Singing Competition “Giulio Neri”.
1 – PARTICIPATION
The competition is open to opera singers of any nationality, with no age limits.
To apply, you must:
- Fill out the online form
- Attach a short curriculum vitae (CV)
Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026.
Late applications may only be accepted for serious and valid reasons, subject to the Jury’s evaluation.
To ensure the artistic quality of the competition, the Jury may review applicants’ CVs to verify their education and professional experience.
If the jury decides that a CV is not suitable for participation, the singer will be informed on April 9, 2026. In this case, the competition organizers will refund the registration fee.
2 – MUSICAL PROGRAM
Each singer must present four (4) opera arias of their choice.
All pieces must be performed in the original language and key.
A printed copy of each piece must be provided for the competition pianists.
No changes to the program are allowed after April 6, 2026.
Any changes must be communicated in writing only to:
info@concorsogiulioneri.it
3 – REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee is €80 and must be paid using one of the following methods:
BANK TRANSFER
Beneficiary: Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte
Reason: CONCORSO “GIULIO NERI” – Registration of: First Name Last Name
Bank: BANCA TEMA
IBAN: IT48S0885125601000000901427
SWIFT/BIC: ICRAITRRNN0 (the last character is zero)
PAYPAL
Send to: info@fondazionecantiere.it
Do NOT send payments to info@concorsogiulioneri.it
No other payment methods are accepted.
4 – DRAW AND CALL FOR PERFORMANCE
The draw for the order of performance will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the presence of the Mayor of Torrita di Siena or a delegate.
The procedure will be streamed live on the official channels of the competition.
Once the order is set, the competition office will contact the participants via email with the date and time of their performance.
The program and schedule may change due to organizational needs or the number of participants.
Any changes will be communicated promptly by email.
Singers must register at the specified date and time, showing a valid ID document, at:
Teatro degli Oscuri
Piazza G. Matteotti n. 6-8
53049 Torrita di Siena (SI)
5 – ACCOMPANYING PIANISTS AND REHEARSALS
The competition provides two pianists free of charge.
Participants may bring their own accompanist, but they must cover all related expenses.
This choice must be indicated in the registration form.
Rehearsals with the official pianists are only allowed:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 11:00 to 19:00
Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026 – only for semifinalists and finalists
6 – COMPETITION STAGES
The competition has three public stages:
ELIMINATION ROUND
Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17, 2026
Each singer performs one aria chosen in the registration form
The Jury may request a second aria from those submitted
SEMIFINAL
Saturday, April 18, 2026
The singer performs the aria(s) requested by the Jury at the end of the elimination round
The Jury may ask to listen again to pieces already performed
FINAL
Sunday, April 19, 2026 – 16:00
The final is a concert format, performing the aria assigned by the Jury at the end of the semifinal
Finalists must participate in the awards ceremony; otherwise, prizes will be forfeited
During the final, the audience votes for the Audience Award using a ballot distributed at the start of the performance.
7 – JURY
Jury members must abstain from evaluating participants with whom they have family or teaching relationships.
Each Jury member will provide a declaration to this effect.
8 – PRIZES
Total value: €5,600
Main prizes:
- 1st Prize: €2,000 + certificate
- 2nd Prize: €1,000 + certificate
- 3rd Prize: €600 + certificate
Special prizes:
- “Giulio Neri” Prize (best bass finalist): €700 + certificate
- Audience Award: €400 + certificate
- Young Talents Prize (born on or after 1/1/2001): €600 + certificate
- Jury Special Prize “Claudio Desderi”: €300 + certificate
The Jury may decide not to award one or more prizes. Decisions are final.
Semifinalists who do not reach the final will receive a certificate of participation.
Finalists who do not win a prize will receive a diploma of merit.
9 – ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Participants may be selected for auditions, theatrical productions, and activities with theaters, opera institutions, or the Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte.
The organization may add additional awards.
10 – AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING AND RIGHTS
The final concert may be recorded.
By registering for the competition, singers authorize photography, audio, and video recordings and their distribution in any format, worldwide, without time limits.
Participants grant all rights as performer and artist free of charge for performances within the XVIII International Opera Singing Competition “Giulio Neri”.