Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition 2027: No Entry Fee, $12,000 Top Prizes, Apply by 29 December
New York vocal competition: dates and eligibility
The Gerda Lissner Foundation's 2027 International Vocal Competition invites developing opera singers aged 21–32 to apply by 29 December 2026, 3:00 p.m. US Eastern Time. The competition advertises no application charge. Its preliminary auditions are scheduled for 8–11 March 2027 and the final round for 12 March. Winners are expected to appear at the Winners Concert in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall on 29 April 2027. Applicants should account for the time difference and the need to travel to New York if invited.
Arias, divisions and professional preparation
The competition's application guidance asks singers to prepare five opera arias; candidates should use the current 2027 form to identify the acceptable languages and any required contrast. The partner competition page describes a choice between a General division and an Operetta & Zarzuela division, not simultaneous entry in both. Arias or selections should normally be no longer than five minutes each. Repertoire becomes fixed after submission, so pianists and vocal coaches should help applicants select a sustainable and varied set before registration.
What the prizes actually provide
Up to four top winners are advertised to receive US$12,000 each. Finalists who do not receive the top distinction are to receive US$2,000 grants. These amounts are for winners and eligible finalists rather than payment to every applicant. The official foundation also presents annual art-song events and a published history of past competition winners. Submission alone does not guarantee an audition, award, recital appearance, or coverage of travel costs.
About the foundation and where to verify
The Gerda Lissner Foundation is a New York nonprofit supporting developing classical singers; its winner concert is held with the Liederkranz Foundation of the City of New York. The foundation's published competition notices, past winners and associated recital programmes provide a track record that prospective applicants can inspect. Consult the foundation's live application portal for the exact identity documents, current division rules and eligibility exclusions for previous winners before submitting.
Official application and organiser sources
Updated and researched 23 October 2026. Organisers may modify fees, dates, award conditions or repertoire. Check the current official rules before filing or paying.