Facebook
MDT-logoEN

COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS

The Opera Art Forum in Veliko Tarnovo is an international platform for the development and presentation of young opera talents. It is held under the patronage of the world-renowned Bulgarian soprano Krassimira Stoyanova – an artist whose exceptional career inspires generations of singers across the globe. The aim of the event is to discover, encourage, and support young opera artists by providing a professional stage, training opportunities, and creative exchange with international experts in the field of opera.

Application Period

  • 1 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
  • No application fee
  • Jury decisions are final

Eligibility

  • Open to singers of all nationalities and genders
  • Candidates must not be older than 35 on the final application date
  • All works must be performed by heart and in the original language

Participation Costs

  • Travel and accommodation expenses for the live rounds are the responsibility of the participants
  • The organizers provide a pianist free of charge, as well as orchestral accompaniment for the final round
  • If a participant wishes to perform with their own pianist (upon prior notice sent to: competition.mdtvtarnovo@gmail.com), all related costs are borne by the participant

Repertoire Requirements

Preliminary Round (video submission)

  • Video recordings, up to 12 minutes total
  • 2 arias of the candidate’s choice, in different languages, by different composers and from different stylistic periods (no Baroque)
  • Recordings must not be older than 1 January 2025

Live Rounds (upon invitation)

  • Four arias in total (one must be by W. A. Mozart)
  • When submitting the application form, candidates must list their arias for each stage in performance order — this order cannot be changed
  • Arias cannot be repeated in different rounds

Media Consent

Audio and video recordings may be made during the “Krassimira Stoyanova” Opera Art Forum.

By submitting the application form, candidates grant permission to the Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre to record and distribute their performances for non-commercial purposes, without financial claims.

Applicants declare they have read the Data Protection Notice provided with the application form, in compliance with Bulgarian data protection law and GDPR 2016/679 (available at: https://stoyanova.teatarvtarnovo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PD_ENG.pdf).

COMPETITION ROUNDS

Preliminary Round – Online

  • Candidates submit video performances of two arias (different languages, composers, styles; no Baroque)
  • Selected applicants will be invited to the First Round in Veliko Tarnovo
  • Results published by 30 January 2026 on the official website and Facebook page

First Round – 15–16 March 2026

Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre, Veliko Tarnovo

  • Two arias: one by W. A. Mozart and one of the candidate’s choice (pre-registered)
  • Maximum duration: 15 minutes
  • A rehearsal with pianist will be scheduled on the day of performance
  • Results announced online on the official platforms

Second Round – 17 March 2026

Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre, Veliko Tarnovo

  • Two arias of the candidate’s choice (different from First Round; different styles and periods; no Baroque)
  • The jury will choose which aria begins the performance
  • Maximum duration: 15 minutes
  • Rehearsals as per schedule
  • Finalists announced online

Final Round – 19 March 2026

Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre, Veliko Tarnovo

  • One aria selected by the jury from the candidate’s pre-submitted repertoire
  • Orchestral rehearsals on 18 March 2026
  • Awards ceremony following the finalists’ performances

GENERAL TERMS

  • Candidates will be informed about performance dates and times via official Facebook announcements and/or email
  • The jury reserves the right to decide on the awarding of prizes, including non-awarding of any prize
  • The organizers reserve the right to amend these rules if circumstances require
  • Personal data provided will be used solely for administrative and promotional purposes related to the Opera Art Forum, in compliance with GDPR
  • Submission of the application implies full acceptance of the Rules & Regulations and of the attached declaration
  • In case of dispute, the Bulgarian version of the document is legally binding

Contact Information

Website: stoyanova.teatarvtarnovo.com

Phone: +359 88 422 3394

Email: competition.mdtvtarnovo@gmail.com

https://stoyanova.teatarvtarnovo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PD_ENG.pdf