Bampton Classical Opera's biennial Young Singers' Competition identifies, rewards and nurtures some of the country’s most talented young professional singers aged 21-32 and their accompanists. The previous winners are mezzo-soprano Anna Starushkevych (2013), soprano Galina Averina (2015), mezzo-soprano Emma Stannard (2017), soprano Lucy Anderson (2019), soprano Cassandra Wright (2021) and mezzo-soprano Melissa Gregory (2023). In 2017 an Accompanists’ Prize was introduced, and the first winner was Keval Shah. Bampton Classical Opera has a reputation for its commitment to young talent, and a number of singers who have appeared on the Bampton stage have gone on to work with national companies such as The Royal Opera, English National Opera and Opera North.

The Public Final is always an entertaining and thrilling event, and a chance to hear some remarkable performances. Judges for the competition include two internationally renowned British singers: tenor Bonaventura Bottone and mezzo-soprano Jean Rigby, and esteemed vocal coach Ingrid Surgenor.

The First Round takes place at the beginning of November, and the finalists and their programmes will be announced soon after.

First prize £2,000 – Second prize £1,000

Accompanists’ Prize - £750