Barcelona Hosts the 52nd Concurso Internacional de Cant Bel Canto
Barcelona is preparing to host the 52nd edition of the Concurso Internacional de Cant Bel Canto, a prestigious vocal competition that has launched the careers of numerous opera stars. The competition, which runs from January 11th to 18th, 2026, will culminate in a final performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
As stated by xavier oviedo, Director of the Liceu, the competition aims to create an atmosphere where participants feel welcomed, supported, and inspired by the city of Barcelona. He highlighted the city’s unique ability to foster artistic dreams, referencing the remarkable story of Josep Carreras, the tenor who rose from humble beginnings as a pastor in Moià to perform on the world’s greatest stages.
This year’s competition has attracted a highly competitive field of 712 initial applicants. Following preliminary international auditions held in November 2025 in major cities including Madrid, Berlin, New York, Milan, Paris, San Francisco, London, and Beijing, and also at the Liceu itself, only 100 singers have been selected to advance.
The competition will unfold in several stages:
* January 11th & 12th: Second round auditions at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Barcelona.
* January 13th & 14th: Semi-final rounds, also held at the Conservatorio Superior de Música.
* January 16th: The final gala performance will take place at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
A total of over €150,000 in prize money will be awarded across 32 prizes. The concluding event will be a concert featuring the competition winners on January 18th at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Adding a new artistic dimension to the event,the competition has commissioned a unique trophy designed by the young artist Passarell (llorenç Corbella). Passarell has also been responsible for a redesign of the stage setting for the final concert.