'Olympics of Opera' makes its Shanghai debut

The 2026 Operalia, The World Opera Competition, is currently underway at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. A news conference was held on Wednesday at the conservatory's Music Castle to mark the event's first-ever arrival in Shanghai, following its previous China edition in Beijing in 2012.

The legendary tenor Plácido Domingo announces the Shanghai debut of 2026 Operalia, a competition known to launch careers, at Shanghai Conservatory of Music on Wednesday. (Photo: China Daily)

Often dubbed the "Olympics of Opera", this year marks the 34th edition of this competition. Founded in 1993 by legendary tenor Plácido Domingo, Operalia is renowned for launching the careers of the world's most promising young opera singers. This year, 34 singers from over a dozen countries, including five from China, are competing.

The Shanghai edition carries a personal narrative. Domingo was invited by his close friend and protégé, Liao Changyong, president of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, who won the first prize at Operalia in 1997.

"It is always important for young students and aspiring artists to be able to practice, rehearse and perform in a professional stage," Domingo said during the news conference. "That is what the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Shangyin Opera House together offer in this most inspiring campus."

Liao Changyong, president of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, speaks about how winning the first prize at Operalia 1997 marked an important milestone in his artistic journey. (Photo: China Daily)

Reflecting on his own journey, Liao noted, "Standing on the Operalia stage in 1997 was the most correct decision of my life. It was an important milestone in my artistic journey. Today, being able to welcome a new generation of singers to Shanghai and watch them start their own journeys brings me great joy."

The competition features industry experts from leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, and the Royal Opera House, among others. The final round is scheduled for Nov 1 at the Shangyin Opera House. The finalists will be accompanied by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra, under the batons of Maestro Domingo and Guest Conductor Nayden Todorov.

During the competition, the conservatory has organized a series of professional lectures, public masterclasses and academic forums to welcome vocal students worldwide. Domingo expressed his hope that Operalia will "inspire and encourage many more Chinese talents to pursue classical singing and help strengthen the ever-growing operatic tradition."

The news conference announcing the Shanghai debut of 2026 Operalia on Oct 28. (Photo: China Daily)

Placido Domingo and his close friend and protégé Liao Changyong in historical pictures. (Photo: China Daily)