User:E.softpalace/sandbox/Paris Opera Competition

= Paris Opera Competition =

History
The Paris Opera Competition was founded by Pierre Vernes in 2010. Vernes, an avid opera fan, wanted to give back to the art form that he loved to ensure the continuation of opera for future generations. In order to make his dream a reality, he enlisted the help of Isabelle de Montaigu, who became the first member of the Paris Opera Competition team as consultant and co-founder.

The first competition was held in 2010 at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and is now held every two years in Paris at various theaters. Notable previous finalists include: Julie Fuchs, Valentina Nafornița, Ambroisine Bré, Venera Gimadieva, Julia Lezhneva, Ilya Kutyukhin and Bogdan Volkov. For each competition, the board invites an international roster of both finalists and industry professionals to Paris for a week-long experience culminating in a performance with staging and an orchestra. Past judges include: Sophie de Lint, Eva Kleinitz, Evamaria Wieser, Anne Blanchard, Toni Gradsack, Jean-Louis Grinda, Christophe Ghristi, Joan Matabosch, Raymond Duffaut, Robert Koerner, Michel Franck, Christoph Seuferle, Dmitry Vdovin, Eve Ruggier, Peter de Caluwe, Maurice Xiberras, and Richard Martet.

Now preparing for its 7th competition, in 2022 (the 2021 competition was rescheduled due to COVID-19), the Paris Opera Competition team is made up of opera lovers, industry professionals and former and current young artists all working together to help nurture artists at the vulnerable start to their careers.