International Singing Competition
Origin (1991): The idea for the competition originated with the Richard Wagner Societies of Lyon and Strasbourg. The aim was to determine when singers are ready for the Wagner repertoire and to promote young talent along this path.Objective: To discover emerging voices with the potential to grow into the demanding Wagner repertoire with increasing vocal maturity and stage experience. Therefore, only candidates who are either at the end of their vocal training (maximum age 30) or at the beginning of a stage career (maximum age 35) are admitted. The jury awards a first prize and a special prize (Wolfgang Wagner Prize). There is also an audience prize. In addition, all finalists receive cash prizes.
Previous venues:
• 1994 & 1997: Strasbourg
• 2000: Saarbrücken
• 2003: Bayreuth
• 2006: Venice
• 2009, 2012, 2015 & 2018: Karlsruhe
• Current edition (2026): Back in Bayreuth (for the 150th anniversary of the Bayreuth Festival).
Further Information: www.wagner-stimmen.de