QUEEN SONJA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION at Den Norske Opera & Ballett

With H.M. Queen Sonja as the patron and presenter of the awards, given for mastering the art of singing at the highest of levels, the Queen Sonja International Music Competition has firmly established itself as a revered tradition for concert audiences and TV viewers. The competition has helped many talents forward into the international limelight and draws more and more young, ambitious singers. Consequently, the quality of the finalists is at an extremely high level. As well as receiving significant prize money, winners are engaged by Norwegian music institutions to perform on stage in Norway, giving the singers unique career experience. Following the initial rounds at the Norwegian Academy of Music, the semi-final with the 12 best singers is held in Oslo Opera House on the Second House stage. The five best semi-finalists go forward to the final, held in the Main House. The final concert opens with a commissioned work by the young Norwegian composer Jan Erik Mikalsen, before the finalists take the stage to perform the works selected by the jury. This year, the competition is marking its