interlude.hk: In touch with Peter Katona, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

interlude.hk: As a juror for the Hans Gabor Belvedere International Singing Competition, how do you think this Competition is different from others, both in terms of the selection process/repertoire required and the opportunities it provides prizewinners?

Peter Katona: Well… The jury for the Belvedere Competition is often bigger and more diverse than elsewhere, and competitors hail from all four corners of the world. But any competition needs a degree of luck if it is to produce significant winners. The Belvedere had such luck in 2011 in the shape of Rachel Willis Soerensen, who was herself lucky enough to land two engagements at Covent Garden immediately afterwards...

More on: In touch with Peter Katona by interlude.hk.

#Belvedere2014 - Participants in the spotlight: Cabira Jacobsen

photo made available by the singer

When I'm on stage, I'm truly alive. 

Participating in events like the Belvedere Singing Competition 2014 is a great way to further my career towards the goal of singing full-time. 

Europe is the center of the operatic world, so to sing there would be a dream come true!

Cabira Jacobsen, Mezzo-Soprano, USA

#Belvedere2014 - Participants in the spotlight: Franziska Buchner

photo made available by the singer

Ich bin gebürtige Berlinerin aber meine Heimat ist die Bühne!

Ich möchte Gleichgesinnte kennen lernen, mich im Präsentieren üben und vielleicht bei einem wundervollen Konzert mitsingen.
Mein größter Wunsch für die Zukunft: Zufrieden sein und möglichst viele Menschen am Zauber von Musik und Schauspiel teilhaben lassen!

Franziska Buchner, Mezzo-Sopran, Deutschland

#Belvedere2014 - Participants in the spotlight: Odufoye D. Babatunde

photo made available by the singer

It would be an opportunity for me to showcase myself. For me, i think Competition motivates people especially young opera singer to do their best, It is also good to put ourselves against others to see where we stand and learn in the process of doing so.

Its a challenge for someone because we get to fine-tune our skills and broaden our knowledge. Competitions are fun also and give room to meet colleagues.

My most ardent desire is to become one of the top counter-tenors in the world and a voice teacher.

Odufoye D. Babatunde, Countertenor, Nigeria

#Belvedere2014 - Participants in the spotlight: Andrew Hiers

photo made available by the singer

I am participating in this year’s Belvedere Competition because it is a fantastic opportunity to further my performing career. The contestants are top caliber artists and I would be honored to call myself a finalist in such a prestigious event.

My goal is to make opera a relative art form to younger generations. Every time I take the stage or talk to individuals about it I strive to let people know how accessible a medium it can be. I want to be a part of the rich performing history that is opera.

Andrew Hiers, Bass-baritone, United States

#Belvedere2014 - Participants in the spotlight: Anna Lindina

photo made available by the singer

I am participant of Belvedere Singing Competition in 2014, because I think this is an incredible opportunity to express themselves at a very high level of performance and music. And also to meet with colleagues from other countries. This is a serious step for a singer who wants to be popular and accepted. 

My dream is to act on global markets with well-known conductors improve their skills and strive to make this world a better and kinder as music. I am convinced, can do wonders to unite the country and people. 

Anna Lindina, Soprano, Russia

Bożena Harasimowicz: It´s my biggest aim for many years to help young singers into an opera career

We like to present now and in future partners of the international qualifying rounds. 

Now:  Welcome to our new partner, Bożena Harasimowicz and the S. Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, Poland.

"It´s my biggest aim for many years to help young singers into an opera career and it's just an honor to be a partner of such a well known and internationally respected competition,", says Bożena Harasimowicz, Polish vocal artist, graduated with a distinction from the Gdańsk Music Academy in 1989 and presently lecturer and Professor of the Academy of Music in Gdańsk. In 2009, Bożena Harasimowicz established the Impressio Art Management Agency.

The Academy of Music in Gdansk was founded in 1947. More on www.amuz.gda.pl