Barcelona, June 2025 — The Tenor Viñas International Singing Contest will strengthen the Oratorio-Lied category in its 63rd edition, set to take place in January 2026, with the aim of increasing visibility and recognition for this discipline within the classical vocal repertoire.

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the close collaboration between three leading institutions in the musical landscape: the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Victoria de los Ángeles Foundation, and the Schubertíada. These organizations have worked together with the shared goal of elevating the concert repertoire—both Lied and Oratorio—thus establishing a space of excellence for young talents with a concert career focus and expanding their opportunities within the international lyrical scene.

As a major innovation, this year the Oratorio-Lied category will develop in parallel with the Opera category. Participants may choose between two participation tracks (Oratorio-Lied Category or Opera Category), and for the first time, both will unfold separately and independently throughout the Contest, coming together only for the Final Round, scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026. However, the preliminary audition must be held in Barcelona, and registration will remain open until the general deadline of September 22, 2025.

Candidates must present a complete and demanding repertoire, including three oratorio arias and five songs for the Final Round—featuring special emphasis on Schubert, with two of his works being mandatory in the Extraordinary Prize selection. Participants will be supported by an official pianist specializing in the repertoire and will be guaranteed rehearsals prior to each phase of the Contest.

The Jury will be chaired by Victor García de Gomar, Artistic Director of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and will include baritone Olaf Bär, pianist James Baillieu, soprano Maria Dolors Aldea representing the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, Marc Busquets representing the Victoria de los Ángeles Foundation, and Victor Medem, current Director of the Schubertíada and designated Director of L’Auditori de Barcelona.

It is worth noting that institutional recognition of this category is also reflected in the improved prize allocation: the Oratorio-Lied Prize, previously considered a special award with a €5,000 endowment and a recital at CaixaForum, will now become an Official Prize with an endowment of €10,000. The winner will also perform a recital as part of both the Life Victoria Festival and the Schubertíada.