For the first time ever, Bulgaria hosts the most prestigious and important world competition for young opera singers who have the potential to become the next stars of opera.

An unprecedented number of participants from all over the globe have applied for Operalia 2025 in Sofia, co-organised by Sonya Yoncheva’s production company SY11 Events, the Sofia Philharmonic, the Operalia Foundation and Rolex.

The grand finale under the form of a gala concert will take place on 26 October from 6 pm. Approximate duration is 3,5 hours, with an intermission of 45 mins., followed by jury deliberation, announcement of results and awarding ceremony. A limited number of viewers can witness live this exciting competition, which will take place in Bulgaria Hall. Ticket holders are asked to keep quiet and not leave the hall during the concert in order to avoid disrupting the performances.

“Operalia” has been described as the opera Olympics. Created by Plácido Domingo more than three decades ago, it has given a flying start to the careers of most of the great opera performers of our time, including Sonya Yoncheva herself, who won it in 2010 at the Teatro all Scala. To commemorate the rich tradition of Bulgarian opera singing, which has given the world a number of generations of star soloists, the competition chose Sofia as its host this year for a reason. Here the managers of the most elite international opera houses and the new generation of talented performers will meet.

Be with us! Experience live the birth of the new opera stars. “Operalia is the most-watched event in the world of classical music, comparable in its popularity with the famous New Year’s classical music concert from Vienna. The grand finale will be broadcast worldwide, but only a few will enjoy the live performance in the hall. Be among the first! We look forward to seeing you! Tickets are available at the Bulgaria Hall box office and in the Eventim network.