Vienna Opera Network – Community Choice Award 2026
€1,000 Cash Prize — Global Online Opera Competition
Opera singers are invited to submit an aria video and take part in community voting hosted inside the Vienna Opera Network Facebook group.
€1,000 Cash Award
Guaranteed cash prize for the winner.
How It Works
Submit an aria video → Community voting → Final selection by festival jury.
Optional Performance Feature
Winner may be invited to perform at a Vienna Opera Festival event, subject to voice type and festival availability.
Competition Timeline
Submission Deadline: 15 February 2026 — 23:59 (Vienna time)
Voting Period: 16–20 February 2026
Winner Announced: 22 February 2026
How to Participate
1. Join the Facebook group Vienna Opera Network
2. Post your aria video following the submission format
3. Community voting takes place inside the group
Note: The €1,000 cash prize is guaranteed. The performance feature is optional and subject to voice type and festival availability.
Our JUDGES
James Black
Artist Management
Alexa Sowers
Pianist, Vocal Coach & Former Houston Grand Opera Music Director for Opera To Go
Noe Colin
Vocal Teacher & Bass
Official Competition Rules
Organizer:
Vienna Opera Festival in collaboration with the Mozart Foundation.
Prize:
€1,000 cash award (guaranteed).
The winner may additionally be invited to perform at a Vienna Opera Festival event. This optional performance opportunity is subject to voice type, repertoire needs, and festival scheduling and is not guaranteed.
Eligibility:
Open to opera singers worldwide, age 15+. One submission per participant.
Submission:
Participants submit one aria video (3–5 minutes) inside the Facebook group Vienna Opera Network using hashtag #VONAward2026.
Submission deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:59 (Vienna time).
Community Voting:
Each 👍 Like on a submission post counts as one vote.
Voting period: 16–20 February 2026.
The Top 5 most-liked videos become finalists. Fraudulent voting may lead to disqualification.
Final Jury Selection:
The final winner is chosen from the Top 5 finalists by an official jury of three judges appointed by Vienna Opera Festival. The jury evaluates vocal quality, musicality, and artistic expression. The jury’s decision is final.
Winner Announcement:
22 February 2026 via Vienna Opera Network and official festival channels.
Rights:
By submitting, participants allow Vienna Opera Festival to share excerpts of their video for promotional purposes with credit.
Acceptance:
Submission implies acceptance of these rules.