For competitiors 2026
Who are we looking for?
We seek singers of all nationalities and voice types, born in 1991 or later, who approach early repertoire as we do (chamber musical and collaborative attitude with HIP knowledge and open minded approach). We really enjoy playing with singers who see themselves as chamber musicians among chamber musicians, and our audiences are likewise thrilled to observe this interplay. This competition is for singers who aspire to go beyond the focus on voice strength and projection in favor of clarity, rhetorical declamation, pronunciation and expression.
This is possible within HIP, because the ensembles are smaller and the quality of the instruments more intimate. When conditions are closer to what the composers knew, the singing can be more speechlike than pure sound projection over a grand piano or modern orchestra.
We would like the singer to use the same tools as an experienced HIP instrumentalist as the basis for their interpretation – such as harmonic structure, rhetorical purpose, and instrumentation. The music can then be explored collectively by singer and musicians, with the common goal of detecting the affetti within it and arousing emotions in the listeners.
We encourage young singers to break down artificial musical barriers. We are guided by an understanding of working in a contemporary setting and believe Baroque music to be related to many music genres. Baroque music and jazz share the same principle of improvising on a chord series, playing instruments in a vocal way and searching for the swing. Baroque music and folk music share melodic material, ornamentation, and dance forms, and Baroque music also has many similarities to today’s pop music. We therefore seek singers who are willing to explore this relationship and work with other genres and artistic formats when suitable.
Important dates:
- Entry deadline – February 28, 2026, at 23:59 CET
- Winners will be notified by April 1 and have 14 days to confirm participation.
- Rehearsals start 27.09.2026 in Helsinki
- Additional lobby events and networking 27.09.2026 – 4.10.2026
Semi-final:
- 2.10.2026 Music Centre (Paavo hall)
Semi-staged final:
- 4.10.2026 Music centre (Concert hall)
The competition comprises three rounds:
1. Digital competition
This round consists of two parts. Candidates must submit:
- A video recording
Perform 2–3 contrasting arias, motets, madrigals, or songs from the period 1600–1750, including at least one recitative (secco or accompagnato).
Maximum duration: 15 minutes.
Include in addition one folk song from the candidate’s home country or tradition (maximum 4 minutes), performed a cappella or with accompaniment of their choice. The folk song does not need to be from the Baroque period.
A concert program proposal
The written concert program should have a duration of 40–45 minutes, featuring the candidate as the soloist. While it won’t be performed in full in Helsinki, it should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to curate a cohesive and engaging concert.
Repertoire must be selected from the period 1600–1750, showcasing contrasting styles, affects, and the candidate’s strengths as a singer and artist.
Include repertoire in at least two different languages (folk song excluded). Candidates may include pieces from their video submission.
Pitch in Helsinki: A 415 Hz.
Available instruments: basso continuo (harpsichord/organ and cello) – and possibility for an additional instrument (violin, flute) for 1 piece.
All repertoire must be for one voice with accompaniment by at least one instrument.
The jury will select repertoire from this proposal for use in the first live competition round (semi finale) in Helsinki.
Video submission guidelines
The video can be recorded a cappella or with accompaniment, preferably on period instruments. Piano is allowed but not recommended. Playback is not permitted.
Each piece must be recorded in one take, using one camera only, without any sound or video editing.
Smartphone quality is acceptable, but participants are encouraged to use external microphones or digital recording devices if possible.
Concert recordings are allowed if they meet the above criteria (one camera, one take).
The candidate must be visually identifiable and the main focus of the recording.
Only videos recorded in 2024 or later are eligible, with at least one entry recorded within the last 6 months before the deadline (February 28, 2026).
Uploading instructions:
Upload videos to YouTube or Vimeo.
On the entry form, provide the composer, title, date of recording, link, and password (if applicable).
2. Semi-final round (Live competition)
Repertoire:
Max. 15 minutes, selected by the jury from the submitted program.
Rehearsals: Part of the competition, with coaching from jurors.
Instruments: Basso continuo (1 player: harpsichord/organ & 1 cello) and 1 additional melody instrument (flute, oboe or violin)
Concerts: Two concerts with candidates assigned based on instrumentation and a draw determining the order.
Sheet music: Provided by the competition, but candidates are responsible for selecting appropriate editions. The candidate provides the sheet music for the continuo group of the selected folk songs.
3. Semi-staged final
Teams will work with the orchestra and a stage director to prepare short scenes from an opera, cantata, or oratorio. Repertoire will be chosen by the jury and sent to participants by June 15.
Scenes will be staged simply, with minimal props and basic direction. Candidates will demonstrate vocal skills, flexibility, and collaboration.
Orchestra: Nordic Baroque Scene (NBS) ensembles + Floridante (Estonia).
Audience voting
Entrance fee:
A fee of 50€ is payable upon submission of the entry form. By paying, candidates confirm that:
- The video has no sound editing within movements.
- All information provided is accurate.
- They agree to the competition’s rules and regulations.
Prizes:
- Based on submitted videos and programs, the jury will select up to eight winners, each receiving an initial prize of €1000.
- Favourite of the jury / 1000 € – audience’s vote will have a role too
- Second favourite of the jury 500 €
- Third favorite of the jury 500 €
- Concert offer for favourite of Finnish Baroque Orchestra
- Concert offer for favourite of Barokkanerne
- Concert offer for favourite of Drottningholms Baroque Ensemble
- Concert offer for favourite of Floridante to a presentation in Haapsalu Festival
- Concert offer for favourite of RIAS KAMMERCHOR (solo part in some oratorio)
- Other additional prizes TBC
Additional benefits
- Some of the video round participants that were not selected to be among the 8 participants will get the possibility to attend workshops by the jury members.
Additional information
Participants must be available for rehearsals and concerts from September 27th afternoon, 2026, plus travel.
The interpretation and music making will be done in collaboration with the orchestra and it’s concertmaster and continuo.
Important dates for contestants
November 8
entry opens
January 20
entry closes
February 17
winners notified
March 1
winners’ deadline to accept and commit
May 1
repertoire for round 2 to be sent out to the participants of Winners’ week in Bodø
May 15
repertoire for round 1 to be sent out to the participants
June 1
arranged folk song to be sent out to the participants
June 24
opening day in Bodø. Meeting with the stage director and welcome ceremony
June 25
Candidates 1 – 4 rehearse for round 1 with musicians and coaching by the jurors
Candidates 5 – 8 rehearse for round 2 with stage director
June 26
Candidates 5 – 8 rehearse for round 1 with musicians and coaching by the jurors
Candidates 1 – 4 rehearse for round 2 with stage director
June 27
Candidates 1 – 4 general rehearsal and Concert A live competition round 1
Candidates 5 – 8 general rehearsal and Concert B live competition round 1
June 28
Candidates 1 – 4 rehearse for round 2 with stage director
Candidates 5 – 8 rehearse for round 2 with orchestra
June 29
Candidates 1 – 4 rehearse for round 2 with orchestra
Candidates 5 – 8 rehearsals for round 2 with stage director
June 30
All candidates rehearse with orchestra and stage director for round 2
July 1
All candidates & orchestra – general rehearsal round 2
July 2
All candidates & orchestra – performance of round 2
Prize ceremony
Prizes
€ 1000 each for the candidates winning the video round
Round 1 in Bodø:
€ 1 000 for winner, € 500 each for 2 & 3
Round 2 in Bodø:
€ 1 000 for each participant in the winning team
Audience favorite:
€ 1 000 at the end for the whole competition
Orchestra’s favorite:
Each orchestra chooses their favorite singer, who gets a € 500 prize and a concert engagement with the orchestra in 2023.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sing by heart?
- In round 1 you should follow the common practice of the concert situation of the music you perform. If you sing oratorio or other church repertoire, you may use a score, whereas if you sing opera, you should do it by heart. Round 2 requires you to sing by heart.
Will rehearsals be open to the public?
- Yes, the purpose of this week is to color the town of Bodø Baroque. The public should get a sense of music making in the making: a vibrant melting pot of creativity and playfulness.
Does the language need to be historically correct or is communication of the meaning of the words more important?
- You are welcome to use historical or modernized pronunciation to your own musical and rhetorical judgement.
Do I need to perform all the pieces in the original key?
- More important than the key is that you choose an edition of your music which makes it possible for your colleagues in the instrumental ensemble to accompany you.
May I change some of the repertoire in my program?
- Slight adjustments may be allowed in the 2 weeks period after you’ve been declared a winner and before committing to the competition part in Bodø
How about cancellations?
- If the competition is cancelled, the entrance fee is returned. If the candidate withdraws from the competition, the entrance fee is not returned.
What about Covid?
- Aria Borealis Bodø follows the regulations and recommendations of the Norwegian authorities. If candidates need to quarantine, Aria Borealis will not cover the extra cost. Pending the covid situation, corona passport or proof of recent negative covid test might be required of participants in Bodø.
