Skip to main content

Queen Sonja International Music Competition

The Queen Sonja International Music Competition is one of the world’s leading voice competitions. BNO's General & Artistic Director, Mary Miller, is a board member.

The competition takes place every two years in Oslo, and is open for singers from around the world. The main goal of the competition is to assist the career development of talented young singers. It also acts as a bridge builder between the Norwegian and international music scenes.

The Competition’s institutional partners include The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Norwegian Academy of Music, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and The Royal Court. Singers of all nationalities may apply to take part of the Competition. Upper age limit is 32 years. Several participants for each competition are also nominated by the Competition’s.

Through several rounds, a jury consisting of internationally renowned opera directors, singers and casting associates from some of the world's top opera houses judge the participants' efforts. Each competition culminates in a grand final concert and prize-giving ceremony with H.M. Queen Sonja.

The next competition will take place 13 – 23 August 2019.

*Text from the competition's website

Hør Beate Mordal synge den vakre arien S'altro che lagrime fra Mozarts dramatiske opera La Clemenza di Tito.

Latest news

Flaggermusen NHB Annika elefant 1

Opportunities at Opera by the Fjord

So far 14 singers, conductors and musicians from Opera by the Fjord - Summer Academy, have been engaged at Bergen National Opera's main productions in Grieghallen.

Asle og Alida Foto Monika Kolstad 23

Beste kor og scenografi

2025 ble en milepæl i Bergens operahistorie med Asle og Alida, som av Opernwelt er nominert til en av årets beste operaer i Europa!

OVF24 Mermaids bw wave2

Summer Academy 2025 – extended deadline

Welcome to Opera by the Fjord - our Summer Academy 2025. NEWS: We have now extended the application deadline to FEBRUARY 2 for these orchestra instruments: Strings, brass, oboe and bassoon. / The application forms are now closed /

Julien Behr og Sofia Nesje Enger 1

Became an opera star by chance

For the past 15 years, French tenor Julien Behr has performed leading roles in opera houses across Asia, North America and Europe. But originally, he wanted to become a lawyer.

Kristin Okerlund

BNO mourn the loss of Kristin Okerlund

The team at Bergen National Opera mourn the sudden and unexpected loss of Kristin Okerlund, our dear friend, collaborator, and invaluable colleague at Opera by the Fjord.