WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Classical Singing
- Next edition
- Winter Edition 2026
- Applications until
- December 1
- Entry fee
- €37
- Format
- online, video
RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «CLASSICAL SINGING» NOMINATION 2026
Classical singing competition online: who can enter and how it works
This online classical singing competition is open to female and male soloists, vocal duos and vocal ensembles of 3 to 12 singers from any country. It is part of the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition: instead of travelling to a concert hall, you send a performance video and the jury assesses the recording. Applications are accepted all year for three editions – Spring, Summer and Winter – so you can choose the deadline that suits your preparation. Children, students and adult singers compete in separate categories by year of birth.
Schedule
The competition is completely online and is held annually. Applications are accepted 365 days a year. The competitor selects one of three seasons and sends an application.
SPRING EDITION
Application deadline is March 15th. Announcement of the results on April 05.
SUMMER EDITION
Acceptance of applications until June 1. Announcement of the results on June 15.
WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 1th. Announcement of the results on December 15th.
Program
The competition program includes two (preferably diverse) compositions of the participant’s choice. Program is to be performed by heart and completely (soloist). Duos and ensembles are not obligated to perform compositions by heart.
Participants
Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world. Ensemble’s age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator and concertmaster.
Female vocal
JUNIOR
- category I: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- category II: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- category III: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
JUNIOR ARTIST
- Category IV: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category V: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
SENIOR ACADEMIC
- Category VI: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category VII: born in 2004 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category VIII: born in 2002 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
SENIOR ARTIST
- Category IX: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category X: born in 1998 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XI: born in 1997 and older – maximum 8 minutes
Male vocal
JUNIOR
- Category XII: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XIII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XIV: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
JUNIOR ARTIST
- Category XV: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XVI: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
SENIOR ACADEMIC
- Category XVII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XVIII: born in 2004 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XIX: born in 2002 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
SENIOR ARTIST
- Category XX: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXI: born in 1998 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXII: born in 1997 and older – maximum 8 minutes
Vocal duo
Duo can perform with only one accompanist. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator or accompanist.
- Category XXIII: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXIV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXV: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXVI: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXVII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXVIII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXIX: born in 2004 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXX: born in 2002 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXXI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXXII: born in 1998 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXXIII: born in 1997 and older – maximum 8 minutes
VOCAL ENSEMBLES (from 3 to 12 participants)
- Category XXXIV: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXVI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXVII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXVIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXIX: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XL: born in 2004 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XLI: born in 2002 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XLII: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XLIII: born in 1998 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XLIV: born in 1997 and older – maximum 8 minutes
Repertoire for classical singing: what to choose
The program consists of two compositions of your choice, preferably contrasting in character. Soloists sing the whole program by heart; duos and ensembles may sing from the score. The time limit of your category covers both pieces, so time a full run-through, including piano introductions and the pause between pieces, before you record.
Pick works that suit your voice as it is now. A comfortable key and tessitura usually sound better than an ambitious aria at the edge of the range. Contrast can come from tempo, language or style. The examples below are recommendations only, not requirements:
- JUNIOR: a folk song arrangement and a simple classical song, such as Mozart’s «Sehnsucht nach dem Frühling».
- JUNIOR ARTIST: an Italian arietta like «Caro mio ben» and a song by Schubert or Grieg.
- SENIOR ACADEMIC: a Handel aria such as «Lascia ch’io pianga» and a romance by Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff.
- SENIOR ARTIST: an opera aria by Mozart, Verdi or Puccini and a Lied by Schumann, Brahms or Richard Strauss.
- Duos and ensembles: the Flower Duet from Delibes’ «Lakmé» or the Barcarolle from Offenbach’s «The Tales of Hoffmann».
Recording the video: tips for classical singers
The rules require one continuous take without editing, pauses or cuts, and the singer – or every member of the duo or ensemble – must be clearly visible. Place the camera at chest height, far enough away to show the face, posture and breathing. Put the microphone in front of the singer rather than next to the piano, and make a test take at full voice to check that loud high notes do not distort. Use landscape format and even light from the front. Begin with identification: say your name, year of birth and the competition name, or place an A4 sheet with this information on a music stand. More advice is on the video recording page and in the rules.
Application, fee and certificates
Apply through the online application form with the Mp4 video, proof of identity and payment confirmation. The entry fee is 37 euros for a soloist and 37 euros for a whole duo or ensemble (payment options). The jury ranks singers by average score; in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections 90–100 points bring the Gold award, while JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Every contestant receives an electronic certificate, and teachers can download a letter of appreciation. Full rules – video requirements and identification, documents, fee and scoring – are on the rules page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sing with a recorded backing track?
The rules of this nomination do not mention recorded accompaniment; classical singers usually perform with a pianist. If you plan to use a recording, ask the organizer through the contact page before you film.
How is the age category of a vocal ensemble defined?
By the average age of all members, without the illustrator and the accompanist. A vocal ensemble has from 3 to 12 singers; a duo may perform with only one accompanist.
How long can a vocal program be?
Between 7 and 8 minutes depending on the category – see the lists above. The limit applies to both compositions together.
Do I need a live accompanist?
Most arias and art songs are written with piano or orchestra, so a pianist is the usual choice. The rules of this nomination do not specify the type of accompaniment; if you plan to sing without accompaniment, check with the organizer via the contact page. Accompanists who need proof of participation can request a detailed certificate for their portfolio.
How should I record my voice?
Choose a room with little echo, keep the microphone at a distance that does not overload on loud notes and listen to a test take. Avoid added reverb or pitch correction: the jury should hear the performance exactly as it was sung, in one take.
Related pages: pop-jazz singing, traditional-folk singing and results of previous editions.