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IVC 2026 Rules

In Association with the Liederkranz Foundation

All details related to this competition are subject to change

Awards

Top Awards:

Up to four vocalists will be recognized with the highest distinction, each receiving an award of $12,000.

Recognition for Finalists:
Finalists not selected for the top honors will be awarded $2,000 grants.

Dates

Preliminary Round: March 9 to 12, 2026

Final Round: March 13, 2026

Application Deadline: December 29, 2025, 3:00 PM EST

Winners Concert: Carnegie Hall, April 29, 2026 (top award winners)

General Rules

A collaborative pianist (Arlene Shrut, http://www.arleneshrut.com/) will be provided at no cost. If you prefer, you can bring your own pianist. Please bring paper copies of your music in a binder for the pianist. No iPads or other electronic formats accepted.
There is no fee to enter the competition.
Early submissions are encouraged; the total number of participants in the competition is limited.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Submission of the application does not guarantee an audition or grant.

Eligibility

Former Gerda Lissner Foundation, Top, 1st and 2nd prize winners cannot re-apply.

Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years of age. (NO OLDER than 32 by the first day and during the competition)

Competition Protocol

Eligible participants ONLY will be advised of the date and time for the audition by e-mail. (if you are not notified of an audition date by February 13, 2026, you are not accepted to participate in this year’s competition)
The competition will take place at the Kosciuszko Foundation, 15 East 65th Street New York NY 10065.
Up to 15 singers will be chosen from the preliminary round to compete in the finals.
Participants must be available in person to The Gerda Lissner Foundation:
1. on your assigned audition dates, both preliminaries and finals are from 10:15 am to 5:00 pm.
2. At Winners concert to receive your award at Zankel Hall Carnegie Hall April 29, 2026. 6:30PM.
  Top award winners who will be presented in concert MUST be within 20 miles of Zankel Hall the night before the concert.
3. Failure to comply with the performance requirements of the award is considered a material noncompliance with the terms of the award. Noncompliance may result in the withholding of payments associated with the award, termination of the current award, and/or withholding of any future award. Any failure to perform, or failure to comply with the performance or attendance requirements of the award, may constitute an unsatisfactory performance of the award and preclude participation in any future award competitions.

Repertoire Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to submit standard arias from the 18th to the 20th centuries unless bringing your own pianist to the audition.
One of your arias may be from Operetta or Zarzuela.
Oratorio excerpts, Cantatas and Concert Arias are not eligible.
Cut versions up to 5 minutes in length of longer arias are acceptable. If your opening aria is longer than 5 minutes, you may be stopped by the Judges.
Repertoire once submitted on your application form cannot be changed.

Required Materials

All applicants must submit the following materials via our online application to be considered for the competition.

Please note: You should receive an email notification that your application has been successfully submitted. If you do not receive that email, please contact us As Soon As Possible to resolve this potential problem. The Gerda Lissner Foundation is not responsible for applications which are not successfully submitted online.

Resume (UPDATED and single-page)
A sample of recent opera and concert reviews if available
Recent Color Headshot (JPEG; 1-3 MB file size, NO HEIC FILE)
A copy of passport, driver’s license or birth certificate (NO HEIC FILE)
ONE current signed letter of recommendation attached.

International Students/Non-Resident Aliens

Apply

Follow this link to our online application

Contact

The Gerda Lissner Foundation
212.826.6100 (v)
mail@gerdalissner.org
www.gerdalissner.org

Accolades

I am profoundly grateful to The Gerda Lissner Foundation for the honor of having me and for the incredible award. It will be cherished deeply as a very special memento. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! This award symbolizes not only a recognition of my efforts but also serves as a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from organizations like The Gerda Lissner Foundation, family, and friends. Their instrumental role in nurturing my artistic growth has been a driving force, and this achievement is as much theirs as it is mine.

Sasha Cooke, Mezzo-soprano

The Gerda Lissner Foundation IVC was one of the very first vocal competitions I ever auditioned for many moons ago. Stepping onto the stage of Zankel Hall was an unforgettable full circle moment for me as I went on to perform as the recipient of the second prize. I’m immensely grateful for the recognition and the foundation’s continued support through the opportunities they provide for young artists.

Tatev Baroyan soprano

Last night’s opera concert was nothing short of magical – a truly unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking performances to the grandeur of the venue, every moment was a masterpiece. Events like these remind us of the beauty that music and connection can bring into our lives.

Jewish Association Serving the Aging

Not only a great concert but also a “gathering of the Tribe”.

VOCE DI MECHE

I had an unforgettable experience singing for the Gerda Lissner Foundation at Carnegie Hall for their Winners Concert on April 30th. I am so grateful and honored and proud to have been a part of this experience.

Ashlyn Rock, soprano

Song is a precious and important art form, and The Gerda Lissner Foundation is doing vital work in supporting the next generation of art song performers. I consider it a true honor to be recognized among this year’s group of Lieder/Song Competition prize-winners. Singing at the Winners’ Concert was a highlight of my season — it was a joy to share some of my favorite repertoire in beautiful Zankel Hall alongside a wonderful collaborator, Francesco Barfoed.

Bridget Esler, soprano

Winning the Grand Prize at the Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition was a tremendous honor. Receiving support and recognition from such a distinguished jury is deeply encouraging as I continue to pursue this career. Performing at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall for the first time was truly a dream. The acoustics were stunning, and the full house brought such generous energy to every performer.

Magdalena Kuźma, soprano

I am deeply honored to receive this generous award from The Gerda Lissner Foundation. I am truly grateful for the recognition and support. It was a tremendous privilege to make my Carnegie Hall debut as part of the Winners Recital—an unforgettable experience. My sincere thanks to the Foundation for this remarkable opportunity and for their continued commitment to supporting young artists.

Giorgi Guliashvili, tenor

It was a sensational recital of gifted young singers…..it was a celebration of the enduring legacy of Gerda Lissner; …. No one need worry about the future of opera.

VOCE DI MECHE

…A lovely way to wrap up a Sunday afternoon! …if what we experienced was any indication, the forecast for opera’s future looks bright indeed.

Forbes on Film & Footlights, Harry Forbes

I am so immensely grateful and honored to have been awarded First Prize in this year’s Gerda Lissner Foundation Lieder Competition. Song has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, and I feel so grateful to the Foundation for their support of this deeply important art form and for their belief in my artistry.

Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano