THE 2025 KYRENIA OPERA YOUTH VOCAL COMPETITION APPLICATION | RULES, GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY

 

Celebrating Young Voices from Queens, New York and the Republic of Cyprus

Kyrenia Opera is proud to continue its commitment to nurturing musical excellence and fostering cross-cultural appreciation through the 2025 Youth Vocal Competition — a distinguished program that honors young vocal talent across borders.

This unique competition will honor 12 outstanding young singers — from Queens, New York and from the Republic of Cyprus — with cash prizes and recognition from leading voice professionals.

This competition is more than a contest — it’s a celebration of young voices, cultural exchange, and the future of vocal artistry. Let the music begin!

Eligibility & Documentation

• Age Range: 8–16 years old (as of December 31, 2025)

Queens, New York

Applicants must be:

• U.S. citizens
• Residents of Queens, New York
• Currently enrolled in a public, private, or charter school within the five boroughs of New York City

Required Documentation:
• • Copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization
  • Proof of Queens residency (e.g., school enrollment letter, utility bill, or government-issued ID with address)
  • Submitting documentation: Please see the link to the application form below.

Republic of Cyprus

Applicants must be:

• Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus
• Currently enrolled in a public or private school in the Republic of Cyprus.

Required Documentation:
• • Copy of Cypriot ID card, passport, or birth certificate
  • Proof of school enrollment in the Republic of Cyprus (e.g., official letter from school or student ID)
  • Submitting documentation: Please see the link to the application form below.

Privacy Notice:
All submitted documents will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of verifying eligibility. No personal information will be shared or published. All documentation will be securely discarded within 90 days after the conclusion of the competition.

Application Fee: $20 USD/~17EUR (non-refundable)
If the application fee creates a financial burden, families are encouraged to contact youthvocalcompetition@kyreniaopera.org to request a waiver. All requests will be handled privately and with discretion.

Awards

• First Prize: $400
• Second Prize: $250
• Finalists (ten singers): $100 each

Repertoire Guidelines

Participants may submit only one piece from the following categories.

• Classical Art Songs (e.g., Schubert, Fauré, Barber, Tosti)
• Opera Arias (age-appropriate, original language)
• Sacred Music (e.g., hymns, oratorios, excerpt from a liturgical work)
• Folk Songs (traditional songs from any culture)
• Musical Theatre
• American Songbook
• Artistic Arrangements of Children’s Songs
• Contemporary Classical Works
• Pop music submissions will not be accepted.

Video Audition Guidelines

• Singers should introduce themselves and the piece they are performing.
• Video Auditions Only — All entries will be judged entirely by pre-recorded video submissions.
• Recording Method:
  Videos may be recorded using any device, including smartphones or tablets. Professional equipment is not required.
• Accompaniment:
  Performances may include live accompaniment (piano, guitar, etc.) or pre-recorded backing tracks.
• Venue for the video:
  Any location is acceptable — home, classroom, studio, or performance space.
• Recording Date:
  Videos must be recorded no earlier than July 1, 2025.
• Submitting Videos: Please see the application form below.

Judging Criteria

A panel of distinguished voice professionals will evaluate submissions based on:

• Beauty of voice
• Technical skill
• Musicality
• Diction
• Expression
• Artistic potential

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Winners Announced: February 15, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

• Completed online application form
• Required documentation (citizenship, residency, school enrollment)
• Video performance (max 5 minutes)
• $20 application fee

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: youthvocalcompetition@kyreniaopera.org