ABOUT US
Now in its forth edition, the VERUM SOLITUS INTERNATIONAL Vocal Competition is a cultural initiative of vision, organized by the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca. The competition highlights excellence in vocal performance and will take place in Cluj-Napoca between September 7–11, 2026.
Launched in 2023 out of a desire to discover and support today’s opera performers, the Verum Solitus Vocal Competition established itself as a significant platform for emerging operatic talent. From its first edition, the competition forged strong partnerships between the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca—the country’s oldest operatic institution—and most of the major opera houses in Romania. Together, they laid the foundation for a competition that quickly earned its place among the country’s most prestigious vocal performance contests.
Under the banner of Verum Solitus Vocal Competition, a wide network of cultural institutions and renowned opera professionals come together to support young artists.
Our Mission
The competition is open to singers up to 35 years old, from both Romania and abroad. Its primary goal is to offer young artists the chance to be heard by an elite panel of international experts and to perform on some of the most respected opera stages in Romania. Winners will have the unique opportunity to debut at institutions across the country, beginning with the prestigious Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca, during the Gala Concert (Final Round).
“We seek good people, to help them become great.”
Education is a cornerstone of the Verum Solitus Vocal Competition. The event’s strong emphasis on educational value makes it a turning point in a young singer’s career, offering them the possibility to perform up to six full operatic roles during a season and providing a springboard into the world of professional solo performance.
APPLICATION & CALENDAR
Learn more about application requirements by visiting the TERMS & CONDITIONS page.
Application Deadline: July 15th, 2026
Competition Calendar
- Stage I (Preliminary Round – Online)
Video-based selection of up to 40 candidates
Submission: Two YouTube links featuring contrasting arias from the standard operatic repertoire, one of which must be by W.A. Mozart.
The confirmation will be sent on email on 31th of July, 2026
- Stage II (Semifinal – September 8–9, 2026)
Live auditions in Cluj-Napoca (at the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca)
Performance: Two arias of the candidate’s choice.
10 finalists will be selected (5 female and 5 male voices).
- Stage III – Gala Concert / Final Round (September 11, 2026)
Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca
Performance: Two arias selected by the jury.
Conducted by David Crescenzi, Artistic Director of the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca.
AWARDS (Top 3 awards to be retained)
Grand prize for feminine voice - Contract in all theatres across Romania, extendable over two seasons.
(5,000 lei per performance / suggested amount).
Grand prize for masculine voice - Contract in all theatres across Romania, extendable over two seasons.
(5,000 lei per performance / suggested amount).
AUDIENCE PRIZE - Contract with the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca
worth 5,000 lei
(nomination through online voting)
SPECIAL PRIZE AWARDED BY THE ORCHESTRA OF THE NATIONAL ROMANIAN OPERA IN CLUJ-NAPOCA (Contract with the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca
worth 5,000 lei)
SPECIAL PRIZES FROM THE JURIES AT THE FINAL