FRANCESC VIÑAS COMPETITION
Fostering Vocal Excellence
June 2022
In 1963, Jacint Vilardell established the Francesc Viñas competition in honor of Catalan tenor Francesc Viñas, whose vision ignited the concept of a platform to nurture emerging talents. Viñas’ legacy continues to inspire this prestigious event, now firmly established as a cornerstone in the realm of opera, oratorio, and Lied. It annually attracts young vocalists from a diverse array of countries.
Across international metropolises like Madrid, Paris, London, Hamburg, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Beijing, the preliminary stages unfold. Cooperative agreements between the Liceu Theatre and renowned opera houses facilitate these preliminary rounds. The 2022 edition witnessed an impressive participation of around 500 singers representing approximately 53 countries. Notably, the prize fund for 2022 increased by 6,000 euros, reaching a total of 121,000 euros. This encompasses official, special, and extraordinary awards, alongside a contract from the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation for forthcoming seasons. Beyond these coveted prizes, winners may also secure study grants and performance contracts with a variety of theaters.
Barcelona’s iconic Gran Teatre del Liceu serves as the ultimate battleground for the competition’s final phase, where 15 exceptional singers vie for supremacy. The decisive audition unfolds annually each January within the historic walls of this renowned theater. The climax is a triumphant concert featuring the winners, accompanied by the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra.
Among the illustrious voices that have risen to victory in the Viñas Contest are Tamara Wilson (2011), Javier Camarena (2005), Violeta Urmana (1992), Željko Lucic (1997), Antonio Gandia (2004), and Vicenç Sardinero (1965).
In the 2019-2020 edition, the Russian Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Karkacheva secured the top prize, captivating audiences with her masterful renditions of Tchaikovsky’s Aria di Polina and a segment from Wagner’s Rienzi.
Reflecting on the competition’s essence, Víctor García de Gomar, the Liceu’s artistic director, underlines its pivotal role in creating a marketplace of opportunities for burgeoning global talent. The discerning eye of the jury plays a pivotal role in identifying the promising voices that will shape tomorrow’s opera landscape.
As anticipation builds, we eagerly anticipate welcoming the forthcoming generation of operatic luminaries in the years ahead. For an in-depth exploration of the competition’s history and past victors, explore the official website: http://www.tenorvinas.com/en.