AMERICAN LYRIC SINGING COMPETITION
PRESS RELEASE – ORFEO 2026
ORFEO Celebrates 10 Years Uniting the Americas Through Lyric Singing with the Launch of Its 2026 Edition
The international competition, promoted by Saturnia S.A., opens its call for singers from across the continent, further establishing itself as a key platform for the development of emerging operatic voices.
San José, Costa Rica — ORFEO – The American Lyric Singing Competition announces the opening of applications for its 2026 edition, marking a significant milestone: 10 years of fostering operatic talent across the Americas.
Founded in 2016, ORFEO was created as a philanthropic initiative led by its president, Luigi Sansonetti, with the purpose of generating real opportunities for young singers throughout the continent, promoting the development of lyric art beyond borders and economic limitations.
Since its first edition, ORFEO has established itself as an international platform that brings together performers from across the Americas, engaging in a rigorous artistic process focused on classical repertoire — opera, oratorio, and art song — aligned with the standards of the world’s leading vocal competitions.
Over the years, the competition has welcomed singers from countries including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile, reinforcing its truly continental identity.
In its fifth edition, ORFEO not only launches a new call for applications but also celebrates a decade of continuous work, positioning itself as a project that has opened doors, supported artistic development, and strengthened cultural connections across the Americas.
ORFEO President Luigi Sansonetti reaffirms the project’s mission:
“The competition seeks to bring the artistic values of opera to the world while offering real opportunities to young talents across our continent. We firmly believe in the integration of the Americas through art.”
More than a competition, ORFEO has become a meeting point where talent, discipline, and artistic vision converge to foster new careers in the international operatic scene.
One of the highlights of this edition is the presence of a distinguished international jury, led by renowned Italian bass-baritone Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, a major figure in the global opera scene, who has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London.
The jury will be composed of leading professionals from the international opera world, ensuring a high-level evaluation process and strong professional projection for participants.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2026
The competition is open to lyric singers (sopranos, mezzosopranos, contraltos, countertenors, tenors, baritones, and basses) who are either born or naturalized in any country of the Americas.
Key Information:
- Location: San José, Costa Rica
- Competition Dates: August 24–29, 2026
- Age Requirement: 18 to 36 years old
- Application Period: March 22 to May 15, 2026
- Application Fee: $50 USD
More information:
https://www.orfeoconcursoamerica.org
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
The competition offers monetary prizes to the top three winners, along with special mentions and additional recognitions aimed at highlighting different aspects of vocal performance.
Winners also receive the ORFEO statuette, an artistic piece symbolizing excellence and commitment to lyric art.
10 YEARS OF ORFEO
On its 10th anniversary, ORFEO reaffirms its mission to continue creating a space where emerging talent can develop, gain international exposure, and become part of a growing artistic community.
Held every two years, the competition maintains its commitment to quality, ensuring that each edition represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening lyric singing across the Americas.
ABOUT ORFEO
ORFEO – The American Lyric Singing Competition is a private initiative created by Saturnia S.A., which since 2016 has promoted the development of young lyric singers across the continent through a platform that combines competition, education, and international projection.
PRESS CONTACT: contacto@orfeoconcursoamerica.org
