BREAKING: The search for the world’s next singing sensation kicks off today with the launch of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition as part of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which begins on July 7. This prestigious event, a major highlight of the Eisteddfod festival, aims to elevate the careers of exceptional young singers from around the globe.
Established in 2013, this competition is renowned for its role in launching the careers of successful artists. Previous contestants, including Shimona Rose from Singapore and Eirlys Myfanwy Davies from South Wales, have praised the event as a vital stepping stone in their musical journeys. Both singers will grace the festival this year, performing at the highly anticipated Uniting Nations: One World concert on the opening night, led by acclaimed composer Sir Karl Jenkins.
Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford emphasized the competition’s significance, stating, “It has rightly earned a global reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music.” He continued, “We are very excited about what this year’s competition will bring in terms of as yet undiscovered talents. We encourage singers from Wales, Europe, Asia, or the Americas to seize this opportunity.”
The winner of the competition will receive the coveted Pendine Trophy and a cash prize of £3,000, while the runner-up will take home £1,000. Pendine Park, which sponsors the event, has committed to supporting it for the next five years, aligning with their 40th anniversary celebrations. Mario Kreft from Pendine expressed the importance of the arts, stating, “Music provides the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”
Aspiring competitors must submit an audio or video recording, along with proof of age, and be aged 18 or older on the competition’s first day. They will perform a varied program lasting up to seven minutes in the preliminary rounds and up to ten minutes in the finals. Each program should feature pieces from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.
Contestants will navigate through preliminary rounds and a semi-final, with only two singers reaching the grand finale on July 12. Applications are now open, but interested singers must act quickly—the closing date is March 12. For full entry details, visit the official competition page.
This competition not only seeks to discover talent but also promises to create unforgettable moments during the festival, enhancing the cultural tapestry of Wales and inspiring future generations of musicians. Don’t miss the chance to witness the emergence of the next international singing star!
