Interested artists may apply until 5 February through the website of Cia. Ópera São Paulo: www.ciaopera.com.br

In 2021, the 19th Festival Callas – Brazilian Singing Competition Maria Callas introduces changes to its structure, and only the preliminary round will be held in person. Participants must submit a video performing an opera aria, and the material will be evaluated by an internal committee of Cia. Ópera São Paulo, composed of Paulo Esper – General and Artistic Director, Robson Tirotti – President of the Association Friends of Cia. Ópera São Paulo, and Fabiana Crepaldi – opera critic.

Aimed at Brazilian and Latin American singers aged between 18 and 40, applications will remain open until 5 February 2021 and can be completed through the website of Cia. Ópera São Paulo: www.ciaopera.com.br

On 12 February the selected candidates for the in-person semi-final round in São Paulo, to be held in April, will be announced. The final round, maintaining the tradition of the competition, will take place in the city of Jacareí/SP on 28 April. Three artists will be awarded in each category – female and male – as well as a special Audience Prize decided by the audience present at the final. In addition, winners may receive engagements for the 2021 Season of Cia. Ópera São Paulo – including the selection of roles for the opera I Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo – and participation in the 2021 season of partner institutions.

The jury will be composed of prominent and influential figures on the national and international opera scene. Among them are Sabino Lenoci (Editor-in-Chief of l’Opera International Magazine – Italy), José Velasco (Artistic Adviser of the Teatro del Bicentenario de León – Mexico), Carlos Rauscher (Member of the Advisory Board and Artistic Committee of Cultura Artística), and Robert Gilder (Artistic Manager of Robert Gilder & Co. – England)