The 9th "POF" International Vocal Competition 1st Asia Selection
The 9th "POF" International Vocal Competition 1st Asia Selection
Shenyang Conservatory of Music
POF
Competition Rules
I. COMPETITION OVERVIEW
The Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition is one of the most authoritative vocal and opera competitions in the world. Having been successfully held for eight editions at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, it is renowned for its high professional standards and fair, rigorous selection process. Winners will receive opportunities to sign contracts with internationally renowned theaters and access global touring resources, making it a crucial platform for emerging vocal talents and future international opera stars. This year, for the first time, the competition will establish an Asian Division Selection, jointly organized by the Premiere Opera Foundation (POF) and Shenyang Conservatory of Music, with the Shenyang Shenjing Grand Theater as a co-organizer. The aim is to discover and promote the most promising young opera talents in Asia.
II. COMPETITION GUIDELINES
1. Time and Location
1) Competition Dates: September 20–28, 2025
2) Location: Shenyang, Liaoning, China
2. Eligibility and Divisions
1). Eligibility: Open to Asian citizens or residents aged 16–38 (born between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2009), regardless of race or gender.
2). Age Divisions:
Youth Division: 16–22 years old (born between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009)
Professional Division: 23–38 years old (born between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2002)
3. Registration and Material Submission
1). Registration Period: Open now until September 1.
2). Registration Method: Complete the application form at https://www.premiereoperafoundation.org/apply
and submit required materials.
3). Registration Fees:
Preliminary Round: $85 per person (before August 20), $120 thereafter
Semi-Finals: $150 per person
Finals: No fee
Note: Participants may not register for both divisions. Payment in RMB will be automatically converted at the prevailing exchange rate.
4). Material Submission Requirements:
a) Video recordings must be made within 18 months before the submission deadline, with clear audio and video quality.
b)Full-body, front-facing footage is required, with no face coverings. Videos must be unedited, without cuts or post-production, and must not contain any identifying text or logos. Violations will result in disqualification without refund.
c) Attire: Stage performance wear or formal attire is required; casual clothing is not permitted.
d) Accompaniment: Live piano or recorded accompaniment is allowed; a cappella performances are not accepted.
4.Repertoire and Performance Requirements
1). General Rules:
All pieces must be performed in their original language (Chinese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Russian) and memorized.
Opera pieces must be sung in the original key.
Semi-finalists must submit their semi-final and final repertoire lists, including works in at least three languages.
Repertoire for semi-finals and finals must not overlap, though pieces from the preliminary round may be repeated.
Judges may stop performances if time limits are exceeded, without affecting scores.
2). Division-Specific Rules:
a):Youth Division:
Preliminary Round: ≤10 minutes, 2 pieces (1 opera aria + 1 art song)
Semi-Finals: ≤12 minutes, 2 opera arias
Finals: ≤15 minutes, 3 pieces (2 opera arias + 1 Chinese piece [art song or opera aria])
b):Professional Division:
Preliminary Round: ≤10 minutes, 2 opera arias
Semi-Finals: ≤12 minutes, 2 opera arias
Finals: ≤15 minutes, 3 pieces (2 opera arias + 1 Chinese piece [art song or opera aria])
5. Awards and Advancement Mechanism
1). Awards: Each division will award:
- 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 3 Third Prizes
- All other finalists will receive Excellence Awards.
2). Global Finals Advancement:
- The top-scoring contestant in each division will advance directly to the global finals.
- Second and third-place winners will enter the global semi-finals.
- Top three winners will receive full scholarships (covering airfare and accommodations) to the finals in New York.
- Other finalists may self-fund participation in the global semi-finals/finals.
3). Special Awards (Asian Edition):
- Audience Favorite Award
- Outstanding Artistic Potential Award
- Best Mozart Aria Interpreter
- Exceptional Stage Presence Award
- Special Prize for Chinese Repertoire
- Outstanding Instructor Award
4). Additional Opportunities:
- Semi-finalists may attend workshops with Eric Margiore and Miloš Repický, observe the finals, and receive discounted tickets to Lawrence Brownlee’s China debut concert.
- Finalists may receive direct audition opportunities at The Juilliard School and Curtis Institute of Music in 2026 (subject to POF and institutional policies).
6.Judging Panel and Evaluation Process
1). Judges:
a) International Judges:
-John Fisher: Renowned conductor, vocal coach, and casting consultant (La Scala, Metropolitan Opera, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World jury chair).
-Cheryl Studer: Grammy-winning dramatic soprano, performed 80+ roles worldwide.
- Miloš Repický: Head of Vocal Studies at Curtis Institute, Metropolitan Opera coach.
- Eric Margiore: Tenor, POF founder, and artistic director.
b) Chinese Judges: Esteemed vocalists and educators.
2). Evaluation Process:
- Preliminary rounds: Online review by panelists from the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Vienna State Opera, etc.
- Semi-finalists announced by September 5 on official websites; live performances for semi-finals/finals.
- Judges’ decisions are final.
III. CONTESTANT GUIDELINES
1. Schedule |
|
Date |
Event |
Location/Method |
Notes |
|
Jul 21, 2025 |
Release of Asian Division Rules |
Shenyang Conservatory of Music & POF websites |
|
|
Sep 5, 2025 |
Semi-finalists announced |
Shenyang Conservatory of Music & POF websites |
|
|
Sep 19, 2025 |
AM: Contestant registration |
Shenyang Conservatory of Music |
|
|
PM: Masterclass (Miloš Repický, Lawrence Brownlee) |
Shenjing Grand Theater |
Tickets open to public |
|
|
Sep 20, 2025 |
Opening ceremony and Lawrence Brownlee concert |
Shenjing Grand Theater |
|
|
Sep 21–24, 2025 |
Semi-finals |
Shenyang Conservatory of Music |
|
|
Sep 25, 2025 |
Finalists announced |
Shenyang Conservatory of Music & POF websites |
|
|
Sep 26–27, 2025 |
Masterclasses and career workshops |
Shenjing Grand Theater |
Tickets open to public |
|
Sep 28, 2025 |
Finals |
Shenjing Grand Theater |
Tickets open to public |
2.Registration:
- Semi-finalists must register by 12:00 PM (Beijing Time) on September 19. Late arrivals forfeit participation without refund.
- ID/passport verification required.
3.Performance Order:
- Semi-finals: Contestants select slots via an online system. Unselected slots will be assigned by the organizer.
- Finals: Order determined by the organizer.
4. Artistic Guidance:
- Official accompanist: Dr. Michael Fennelly (Metropolitan Opera).
- Semi-finalists may bring personal accompanists (self-funded); finals do not permit external accompanists.
5. Withdrawal Policy: Withdrawal requests must be approved by the organizer. Unauthorized absences forfeit fees.
6. Recording Rights: Contestants grant the organizer rights to record and use performances for promotional/commercial purposes without compensation.
7. Expenses: All contestants cover their own accommodations and meals.
8. Contact Information:
Chinese Contestants:
- Ms. Hao, Shenyang Conservatory of Music: +86 13889116814 (WeChat), 83855553@qq.com
International Contestants:
- POF: info@premiereoperafoundation.org
- Ms. Zhang, Shenyang Conservatory of Music: +86 13700005863 (WeChat), sycmwsb@163.com
Official WeChat Accounts:
Shenyang Conservatory of Music
The organizer reserves final interpretation rights. Additional notices will be issued if necessary.