One thirty one singers from 25 countries will take part in the Stanisław Moniuszko International Vocal Competition which begins in Warsaw on 19 May.

They have been selected from around 230 applicants from around the world. One of the main goals of the competition is to promote the music of Moniuszko (1819-1872), the father of Polish national opera. A selection of his songs and arias is part of the compulsory programme for all participants. The songs of Chopin are also in the compulsory repertoire.

An international jury includes such household names as the singers Teresa Berganza, Gwendolyn Bradley and Wiesław Ochman, the pianist Larisa Gergieva and the Director of the Vienna Opera Ioan Holender.

Founded in 1992, the Competition is the brainchild of the Polish singer and opera producer Maria Fołtyn. She has staged Moniuszko’s operas in Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, Romania, Japan and Cuba. (mk)