URGENT UPDATE: The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has officially launched its search for the world’s best young singers through the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, kicking off on July 7, 2026. This prestigious event, renowned for bolstering the careers of gifted vocalists globally, is set to draw talent from across continents.
This competition, which began in 2013, has become a critical stepping stone for aspiring artists. Previous participants, including Shimona Rose from Singapore and Eirlys Myfanwy Davies from South Wales, credit their success to this platform. Both singers will perform as featured artists during the festival’s opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, composed and conducted by renowned musician Sir Karl Jenkins.
Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod, emphasized the competition’s transformative impact: “The outstanding success stories of Shimona and Eirlys epitomize what a difference entering the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition can make to fledgling careers.” He added, “It has rightly earned a global reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music.”
This year’s competition promises an exciting lineup, including a massed choir of over 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices, alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra. The stakes are high: the winner will receive the coveted Pendine Trophy and a cash prize of £3,000, while the runner-up will secure £1,000.
The Pendine Park organization has committed to supporting this competition for the next five years, aligning with their 40th anniversary celebration. Mario Kreft, a spokesperson for Pendine, stated, “The arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”
Aspiring singers aged 18 or older are invited to apply, with submissions closing on March 12, 2026. Competitors must submit an audio or video recording along with proof of age. They will perform a program lasting up to seven minutes in preliminary rounds, and up to ten minutes for the final, showcasing works from opera, oratorio, or lieder in their original languages.
As the countdown to this prestigious event begins, Danford urges talented individuals to step into the spotlight: “We know from past experience that there are some brilliant singers out there just waiting for a chance to show the world what they can do.”
Applications are now open, and details on how to enter can be found on the official Eisteddfod website. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the rise of the next international singing star at this year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod!
