Placido Domingo's Operalia, the world's foremost opera competition, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Cape Town.
Hosted by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Cape Town Opera, and Artscape, the event features international stars including Pretty Yende and Levy Sekgapane, both of whom have achieved global success after winning the Operalia title.
Attendees have a chance to see who will be the next Operalia winner at Operalia 2023—the first time the competition is being held in Africa.
Founded in 1993 by world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo, Operalia aims to discover and support the careers of the most promising young opera singers today. Singers between the ages of 20 and 32, of all voice types and from all over the world, audition and perform before a panel of distinguished international personalities in this prestigious and competitive showcase.
A pre-selection jury listens to recordings submitted and chooses the top +/- 35 candidates to participate in the competition. The international jury, presided over by Plácido Domingo, then assesses each chosen participant during two days of quarterfinals. Twenty participants proceed to the semifinals, and finally, ten singers are selected for the finals.
While the quarterfinals and semifinals are in audition form, the final round takes the form of a gala concert accompanied by a full orchestra.
