About the Competition
Applications for the 2027 International Handel Singing Competition are now open.
Throughout his life, George Frideric Handel was dedicated to showcasing and supporting the careers of emerging singers, many of whom rose to fame as star soloists in his operas and oratorios. This commitment to nurturing talent remains central to the ethos of the London Handel Society.
The International Handel Singing Competition was inaugurated in 2002, with Ian Partridge and James Bowman as the first adjudicators and Laurence Cummings as the Festival Director. The competition has become a jewel in the crown of the annual London Handel Festival and is recognised as one of the leading international singing competitions, attracting applicants from across the world.
Previous winners and finalists have gone on to become internationally recognised soloists. They include Iestyn Davies, Lucy Crowe, Tim Mead, Anita Monserrat, Florian Störtz, Alexander Chance, Hilary Cronin, and Helen Charleston.
International Handel Singing Competition 2027
How the Competition Works
The competition consists of four stages: a preliminary digital round, a first live round at Handel Hendrix House in London, the Semi-Final at Grosvenor Chapel and the Final at Handel’s own church, St George’s, Hanover Square in Mayfair, central London. Both final rounds are open to the general public.
Competitors are required to submit all-Handel programmes at each stage. Further details about repertoire will be available at the time of application.
The competition offers three prizes, a 1st prize of £5,000, a 2nd prize of £2,000 and an Audience Prize of £200.
Lasting Opportunities
In addition to the prizes, the competition provides applicants with the valuable opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of internationally renowned singers, artists and directors. Applicants who reach the final will perform alongside a leading period instrument ensemble which in previous years has included the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music. The Semi-Final and Final are a central part of the annual Festival Programme and are attended by many agents and promoters. Finalists are also frequently offered performance opportunities in future London Handel Festival events.
The competition has provided an important platform for emerging artists early in their careers and opened the door to opportunities and engagements on concert platforms around the world.
Lasting Opportunities
The 2027 Final will be livestreamed online, and finalists will have use of the footage for their own personal promotion.
Applications for the 2027 International Handel Singing Competition are now open. Further information can be found here.
