Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition

The world-wide scarcity of money for the classical arts, and in particular the lack of financial support needed to develop potentially-great opera voices, influenced Mrs. Gerda Lissner, a Metropolitan Opera subscriber for seventy-seven years, to establish a foundation with one purpose: to help greatly-gifted singers develop their talent into art.

To discover the truly accomplished singers, the Gerda Lissner Foundation holds an annual competition that is open to men and women 21 to 35 years old, and for the special Wagnerian division 25 to 40 years old, regardless of nationality or professional experience.

To be included in the annual competition you must submit an application, a CD, DVD, audio and/or videotapes. The Foundation’s 2008-2009 Application is enclosed. The filing deadline for the 2009 International Vocal Competition closes on Monday, October 1, 2008. Applications for the 2009 Gerda Prize must be postmarked by October 1, 2008.

During late fall, the Foundation’s judges hear the numerous recordings submitted. Sometime in November, only the selected singers will be invited to participate in a “Live Audition” in New York, expected to be held in March, 2009.

Special winners and first place winners of the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition cannot reapply. Second and third place winners may reapply by submitting new recordings and materials.