The 30th edition of the prestigious international competition for young opera singers, “Riccardo Zandonai,” will take place from July 1st to 6th in Riva del Garda. The event, organized by the association Musica Riva, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has already seen over 200 participants from 32 different countries register.
Promoted and coordinated by President Luca Rizzardo Gianfilippi and Artistic Director Mietta Sighele, a renowned soprano from Trentino, the competition represents a special tribute to the composer Riccardo Zandonai. The 2024 edition coincides with the 80th anniversary of his passing (1883-1944) and the centenary of the dedication of the social theater in Rovereto to the famous musician.
One of the most anticipated novelties of this year’s competition is the “Audience Award” ceremony, which will take place on Friday, July 5th at 8:30 pm at the theater in Rovereto. This event adds further prestige to an already globally appreciated competition. The following day, Saturday, July 6th at 8:30 pm, the final evening will be held in the evocative courtyard of the Rocca in Riva del Garda, featuring a concert by the competition winners.
The competition attracts young talents from all over the world, including Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, Brazil, the United States, and Armenia, to name just a few of the represented nations. Reserved for artists under the age of 35, the Zandonai offers a unique opportunity to emerge in the international opera scene.
Competitors must perform four pieces chosen from the original language opera repertoire. Those who wish to compete for the optional “Riccardo Zandonai” prize must include two pieces from the chamber or operatic repertoire of the same composer. Among the prizes at stake are the special “Mietta Sighele & Valerio Luchetti” award (€10,000), first prize (€8,000), second prize (€5,000), third prize (€3,000), and the Riccardo Zandonai prize (€5,000).
The importance of the event is underlined by the quality of the jury, chaired by Mietta Sighele and composed of international experts in the music field.
This special edition not only celebrates an important anniversary but also continues to strengthen the Zandonai’s position as one of the most significant events for young opera singers worldwide.
Italian Version
