2026 International Handel Singing Competition: Application to Enter
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 International Handel Singing Competition, one of the world’s leading competitions for Baroque singers. Alumni of the competition have gone on to major success in their careers.
Here are some further details to help you with your application.
Introduction
The International Handel Singing Competition is open to all singers aged between 23 - 34 on 9 February 2026. It is a showcase for historically informed performance of Handel’s music. In the Semi-Final and Final, all items must be performed without cuts. In all rounds, works must be performed in the original language and original key. Transpositions, including octave transpositions of voice parts will not be accepted. Items in the preliminary round may be performed at the Semi-Final or Final of the competition. Other than that, items sung in one round may not be repeated in later rounds.
Preliminary Round
All candidates must supply a good quality video recording of them performing an aria by Handel. Ideally, this will include a recitative and should be at least 3 minutes long (including any da capo or dal segno). The performance can be accompanied by any keyboard instrument or ensemble.
First Round
The First Round is held at Craxton Studios in North London on the 9th and 10th February, and a maximum of 90 singers are selected to be heard live by a panel of 3 judges. (Videos will be accepted however, we strongly recommend you perform live. Requirements for video submissions are exactly the same as if you were to perform live). Two arias by Handel (either sacred or secular), one with its preceding recit and one with da capo or dal segno. One aria must be sung in English the other in another language. These arias must be performed in the original key and original language. In the first round the maximum performance time limit is 9 minutes. Internal cuts within the aria are allowed in this round to accommodate time constraints.
You will be provided with a harpsichordist but you are able to bring your own if you prefer.
If you are chosen to sing in the First Round, you will need to submit your proposed arias for the Semi-Final and Final at this stage.
Semi-Final
The Semi Final will be held in London (Venue TBC) on 7th March, and up to 12 singers are invited to perform with a harpsichordist two contrasting Handel arias up to 15 minutes. This is a live performance and open to the public as part of the London Handel Festival.
Gala Final
The Final is held at St. George’s, Hanover Square on 11th March and is a key date in the diary for the London Handel Festival’s Spring Festival. A maximum of 5 singers are invited to return and perform an all-Handel programme with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Steven Devine. The number of contrasting items in the programme is not limited, but may last no longer than 18 minutes. The orchestra for the Final will consist of two oboes (doubling treble recorders), one bassoon, strings and harpsichord. Arias requiring additional or different instruments will not be accepted.
Deadlines & Further Information
Preliminary Round submission deadline 16 January 2026
Results of Preliminary Round selection 23 January 2026
First Round 9 & 10 February 2026
Semi Final 7 March 2026
Gala Final 11 March 2026
There will be 3 adjudicators for the First Round, four for the Semi Final and five for the Final. Past adjudicators have included Jane Glover, Iestyn Davies, Oliver Mears, Catherine Wyn Rogers, Rosemary Joshua, Lawrence Zazzo and John Mark Ainsley.
First Prize - £5,000
Second Prize - £2,000
Audience Prize - £500
Please register your details and pay via the London Handel Festival website. There is a two-stage process to applying. Firstly, you must apply via the event, register and pay. Secondly, please fill in our application form and email this to competition@londonhandelfestival.org.uk along with a link to your video submission.
You will be informed of the results of the pre-selection by no later than 23 January 2026 and to all those who are not successful, we guarantee that feedback will be provided in 2026.