Participation

DEBUT is an international Classical Singing Competition, which supports young opera singers embarking on their career. The contest is open to the following voice types: soprano, mezzo-soprano & alto, tenor, countertenor and baritone & bass. It gives young soloists an opportunity to appear in a competition with a strong international profile in the presence of a distinguished judging panel. The event is held every second year in Weikersheim, which following a three-month entry phase serve as the venue for the preliminary rounds and the competition.

The next competition will take place from 21 to 26 September 2026. 

  • The competition will take place from 20–26 September 2026 in Weikersheim, Germany.
    Key dates:

  • 21–22 Sept: Qualification rounds
  • 23 Sept: Semifinal
  • 24 Sept: DEBUT Song Recital
  • 26 Sept: Gala concert with orchestra at the TauberPhilharmonie Weikersheim
  • Female singers aged 34 or under 
  • Male singers aged 34 or under 

All individuals born in or after the year 1990 are eligible to apply

Applications are submitted online only via www.debut.de.


Application period: 01 April – 30 June 2026


Applications are only valid once the registration fee has been paid.
Incomplete or incorrect applications will lead to disqualification.

Applicants must submit:

  • 6 arias
    • 3 compulsory arias from the official repertoire list
    • 3 freely chosen arias
  • 5 art songs (Lieder)
    • 1 contemporary compulsory song (commissioned by DEBUT; to be performed in the semifinal)
    • 4 songs from the specified Scandinavian composers:
      • Agathe Backer-Grøndahl
      • Adolf Fredrik Lindblad
      • Wilhelm Peterson-Berger
      • Gunnar de Frumerie
      • Ture Rangström
      • Wilhelm Stenhammar
      • Hugo Alfvén
      • Carl Nielsen
      • Emil Sjögren (Op. 12 “Tannhäuser”, text by Julius Wolf only)
      • Helena Munktell
      • Valborg Aulin
      • Laura Netzel
      • Lars-Erik Larsson
      • Jean Sibelius
      • Edvard Grieg (excluding Op. 48)

At least three different composers must be represented in the song selection.

The jury expressly welcomes repertoire selections that include lesser-known or contemporary works alongside established pieces. Such diversity may have a positive impact on the evaluation. Suggestions can be found in the repertoire list.

Additional requirements:

  • At least three languages and musical periods across the program
  • At least two different song composers
  • Each opera work may only appear once
  • Arias must be sung in the original language
  • Bring piano scores in two copies, clearly legible and page-turn friendly

Here you can find this year's repertoire list with the mandatory arias.

Repertoire List ARIAS: 

HERE  (PDF-Download) 

The commissioned piece, which must be performed by all participants in the semifinal, will be composed in 2026 by the Swedish composer Tebogo Monnakgotla.


The sheet music will be available from May on debut.de and will also be sent to participants upon admission to the competition.

The jury selects candidates at the end of July 2026 based on submitted video recordings (2 opera arias or 1 opera aria + 1 art song).
Requirements for videos:

  • High-quality audio and video (min. HD)
  • Each piece recorded in a single take
  • Piano or orchestral accompaniment required
  • Recordings not older than 1 year
  • Technical skill
  • Musical interpretation (rhythm, phrasing, expression)
  • Voice quality
  • Artistic personality / presence
  • Registration fee: 45 EUR
  • Participation fee for the competition week: 220 EUR

All payments must be made to the following bank account in the Organizers’ name, stating the applicant’s name and number:

Account holder: DEBUT Concerts GmbH

Bank:Sparkasse Tauberfranken

IBAN:DE79 6735 2565 0000 0019 74

SWIFT code:SOLADES1TBB

 

  • Free accommodation and full board (minimum three nights)
  • Free shuttle between Würzburg main station and Weikersheim
  • Free rehearsal accompaniment (pianists provided)
  • Workshops free of charge
  • Optional jury consultation after elimination
  • Optional professional artist photoshoot (selectable option)

Private accompanists are not allowed.

Registration