DEBUT

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DEBUT

European Opera Singing Contest

linktr.ee/debut_concerts We look Forward to receiving your application!

The competition is a one of a kind contribution to the prestigious music scene in Baden-Württemberg. DEBUT takes place every two years and functions as a launching pad for international careers. It is open to the following vocal categories:

Soprano - Mezzo-soprano & Alto - Tenor - Counter-tenor - Baritone & Bass. You can find more Information and the Terms and Conditions on our Website: www.debut.de.

08/06/2026

Accompanist

Michael Schütze studied piano and Lied accompaniment at the Hochschule für Musik Dresden and continued his education at the Tanglewood Music Center (USA). He performs as a soloist, serves as a pianist for international singing competitions, and accompanies renowned singers. Since 2011, he has been a professor at the Hochschule für Musik Dresden and, since 2019, holds a piano professorship at the Hochschule für Kirchenmusik Dresden.

06/06/2026

✨The Winners of DEBUT 🏆

🏆2016: Jihyun Cecicila Lee, Seungju Bagh & Jungkwon Jang
🏆2018: Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, Yajie Zhang & Konstantin Krimmel
🏆2020: Karolina Bengtsson, Katleho Mokhoabane & Modestas Sedlevicius
🏆2022: Kudaibergen Abildin, Inna Husieva & Beomjin Angelo Kim
🏆2024: Lubov Karetnikova, Pete Thanapat & Defne Celik.

„I, Clarry Bartha, am delighted with all the singers – not just the winners – who have taken part in DEBUT so far. As far as I’m concerned, every participant is a winner. I have mentored many of them, and I still do.
Who knows who will be joining us in 2026? I’m already looking forward to it.“

Apply now for DEBUT 2026 to join the former winners. Applications are open until the 30th of June 🗓️
Link in bio

27/05/2026

Evamaria Wieser
Casting Consultant & Head of the Young Singers Projects Salzburg Festspiele

„The DEBUT competition offers young singers a fair opportunity, while the required contemporary piece also presents a real artistic challenge. I am always fascinated by how differently this work can be interpreted. I also deeply appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, the excellent and very personal care given to participants – and of course the chance to enjoy the beautiful palace gardens during the breaks.“

23/05/2026

Elisabeth Haglund
Artist Manager

“The international reach of the DEBUT Singing Competition makes it a valuable platform where young singers can gain international recognition early in their careers. It is an honour to be part of this distinguished jury, and I am committed to upholding the high artistic standards for which this competition is renowned.

20/05/2026

Stephan Mösch
Music and theatre scientist

“At the DEBUT competition the jury truly engages with the performances of the participants and discusses them openly. That makes the process exciting for us as jury members as well. It is about arguments and artistic reasoning, not simply about opinions. In many other competitions jurors anonymously submit numbers and in the end mathematics decides the outcome. That is something I no longer wish to take part in. At DEBUT, however, I gladly do. One reason is the central role of contemporary music. Every young singer should engage with the music of their own time – it is through this encounter that artists grow. DEBUT encourages exactly that and helps participants discover something about themselves as artists. A few standard arias will not suffice here – and that is a good thing. Clarry Bartha has shaped the competition with remarkable artistic breadth and linked it to the standards required in theatre and concert life. DEBUT is not simply a parade of beautiful voices or a showcase of vanity, but an encouragement for the artistic personalities of the next generation who truly have something to say.”

17/05/2026

Susanne Schmidt
Casting Director

“What I especially appreciate about the DEBUT competition is that singers must present themselves from many different perspectives. In addition to opera repertoire from various languages and historical periods, they also perform song repertoire and contemporary works. This allows the jury to gain a much deeper understanding of each artist. In the final round, they perform with orchestra and conductor in the concert hall, which reveals how well their voices project over an orchestra and how naturally they collaborate with instrumentalists. Equally important is the thoughtful follow-up support. The competition does not end with the final – the organisation stays connected with the young artists, follows their development and supports them with guidance and practical help.”

14/05/2026

Boris Ignatov
Casting Direktor

“What makes DEBUT special to me is the rare opportunity, as a jury member, to get to know the singers over an extended period of time and across a wide range of repertoire – from opera and song to contemporary music. In most competitions, singers present only two to five ‘showpieces’, which often says little about how a role is truly shaped and developed. At DEBUT, however, we have many opportunities to form a well-grounded impression of the participants’ artistic competence and versatility.”

07/05/2026

Alessandro Di Gloria
Casting Manager

“I am truly honored and delighted to be part of the prestigious jury of the DEBUT Competition 2026. It is a privilege to contribute to an event that celebrates emerging talent and offers young singers a meaningful platform to express their artistry.
As a casting director, I strongly believe in the importance of creating real opportunities for the next generation. Supporting young talent means investing in the future of music and performance. I look forward to listening to inspiring voices and contributing my experience to help identify and encourage exceptional potential.
Being part of this journey is both a responsibility and a joy, and I am grateful to play a role in shaping the future of tomorrow’s artists.”

05/05/2026

Per Boye Hansen
Artistic Director of the National Theatre Opera and the State Opera in Prague

“I associate Weikersheim with many nostalgic memories. In the early 1980s I spent several summers there as part of the Jeunesses Musicales summer programme. The beautiful surroundings and the warm hospitality I experienced left a lasting impression on me and continue to inspire my return. I have heard much about this outstanding vocal competition and I always support initiatives that contribute to the growth of our wonderful art form, opera.”

02/05/2026

Shirley Thomson
Director of Vocal and Opera HarrisonParrott, London

“Over the past ten years, the DEBUT Competition has grown significantly in importance and international recognition, and is now a key event in the competition calendar for young singers.
The competition’s great international appeal is evident not least in the subsequent success of its prize-winners. The excellent facilities and the special atmosphere of the beautiful town of Weikersheim also contribute to an all-round positive competition experience.
I feel honoured and privileged to be able to serve once again on the international jury of this competition in 2026.”

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Website

http://www.debut.de/

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