United Kingdom Events and Festivals

6/06/2009 - 6/14/2009BBC Cardiff Singer of the World

When St David's Hall first opened in 1983, the BBC launched an operatic competition which has since become recognised as the most important of its type in the world. Its popularity continues to this day and is watched by millions on TV. There were 18 singers in that first contest, each nominated by their local broadcasting organisation. The winner went on to become the now legendary Finnish soprano, Karita Mattila. Now, talented young singers from around the world aspire to take part in the competition, and will have achieved success just by reaching the stage of St David's Hall. Each year, hundreds of hopefuls apply and of those, some go on to the audition stage. Finally, the entrants are whittled down to just 25 finalists who perform in the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. Over 100 pieces of music are performed during the competition including operatic arias, solo arias from sacred works and songs, all with full orchestral accompaniment. Singers must demonstrate their prowess in the disciplines of opera or concert music while agents, managers, opera house directors, impresarios and judges look on.