The
GERDA LISSNER FOUNDATION
In Association with
THE LIEDERKRANZ FOUNDATION
International Vocal Competition 2023 Information

Click Here for Lieder Song VC 2023 Prize Winners

The Gerda Lissner Foundation was created by Mrs. Lissner, a Metropolitan Opera subscriber for 77 years,
to provide young opera singers with the financial support they need
to pursue their craft and excel in the world of Opera.
We believe that the encouragement and assistance to young artists toward
achieving their goals are imperative for the continuation of this demanding art form.

“One of the most benevolent sources of support for young artists is the Gerda Lissner Foundation
and also one of New York’s most prestigious voice competitions.”
— OPERA NEWS

Top Award Winners of the 2023 competition will be presented in concert
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:30PM concert at Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

GENERAL INFORMATION

No Fee to Enter
The competition is divided into two parts:

THE OPERA DIVISION

(Open to singers ages 21-32)
Preliminaries: March 13 through March 15;
Finals:, Friday - March 17

Competition Location: The Kosciuszko Foundation, 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY

Top Prize in opera division: $15,000 sponsored by THE LIEDERKRANZ FOUNDATION
First Prize $10,000
Second Prize $5,000
Third Prize $3,000
Grant $ 2,000
Encouragement $1,000

NEW: THE OPERETTA & ZARZUELA DIVISION

(Open to singers ages 21-32)
Preliminaries: Thursday, March 16
Finals: Friday, March 17

Competition Location: The Kosciuszko Foundation, 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY

First Prize $7,000
Second Prize $5,000
Third Prize $3,000

EMAIL APPLICATIONS must be received by JANUARY 4, 2023, 3:00 PM EST

The Gerda Lissner Foundation
15 East 65th St Fl 4
New York, NY 10065

For information regarding application process, please visit: www.gerdalissner.org

or 212.826.6100 —— gerdalissner@aol.com

Rules

  • Former Gerda Lissner Foundation Winners (Top, 1st, 2nd prizes) cannot re-apply.

  • Choose either General or Operetta & Zarzuela Division; you may only apply for one division in a given year.

  • Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years of age for either Division to be eligible for the competition.

  • Please submit typed applications; handwritten applications will not be accepted.

  • Repertoire once submitted on your application form cannot be changed.

  • Submission of the application does not guarantee an audition or grant.

  • Arias/Selections should be no longer than 5 minutes each. Cut versions of longer arias are acceptable.

  • Eligible participants ONLY will be advised of the date and time for the audition by e-mail. (If you are not notified of an audition date you are not accepted to participate in this year’s competition).

  • Auditioners must be available to The Gerda Lissner Foundation

    • a) On your assigned audition dates, preliminaries and finals from 10:15 am to 5:00 pm.

    • b) At Winners Concert in order to receive your award, Monday May 1, 2022 6:30 pm at Zankel Hall Carnegie Hall (tops award winners who will be presented in concert MUST be within 20 miles of Zankel Hall the night before the concert.)

  • An accompanist for the competition will be provided to you at no cost. (You may provide your own accompanist if you wish.)

  • The Gerda Lissner Foundation is not responsible for blocked or undelivered e-mails.

  • There is no fee to enter the competition. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Early submissions are encouraged; the total number of participants in the competition is limited.

Required Materials

All applicants must submit the following materials by e-mail in order to be considered for the competition:

(The Gerda Lissner Foundation is not responsible for blocked or undelivered e-mails)

  1. Application (download here), signed and an updated (single-page) resume

  2. Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19

  3. A sample of recent opera and concert reviews if available

  4. Recent Color Headshot (JPEG; 1-3 MB file size)

  5. A copy of passport, drivers license or birth certificate

  6. ONE current signed letter of recommendation attached with your application or emailed directly from your recommender

  7. Email materials to: gerdalissner@aol.com

Vocal Competition 2022 WINNERS (click here)

Visit the www.gerdalissner.org website for Past Winners and Competitions