BBC Cardiff Singer of the World

The stage is set as 20 of the best young classical singers from around the globe gather in the Welsh capital, each hoping to take away the most coveted prize in opera: the title of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019. Josie d’Arby and Elin Manahan Thomas present this half-hour preview of the contest ahead of the opening round. They guide us through the events of the week to come - from the main competition to the Song Prize - and are joined by a host of famous faces from the music world, including competition patron Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and opera legends Renée Fleming and Bryn Terfel. We meet some of the rising opera stars vying to win the coveted Cardiff Singer crown as well as the judges revealing what they will be looking for when they pick their champion. And we speak to previous winners about how the world-famous competition launched their careers, including Catriona Morison from Scotland who two years ago took both the Song Prize and Main Prize titles. And 30 years since the famous ‘Battle of the Baritones’, leading figures from the opera world pay tribute to the late Dmitri Hvorostovsky, winner of the competition in 1989 and who passed away in 2017.

The world’s most prestigious opera singing competition returns to St David’s Hall in Cardiff as 20 singers compete to become the next BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. Petroc Trelawny and Josie d’Arby present full coverage of this year’s competition. For Round 1, they are joined by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Katarina Karnéus, winner of this competition in 1995, as their special guest. In this opening round, singers from the USA, Russia, China, Australia and New Zealand compete for a place in the Grand Final. To succeed, they need to impress a panel made up of leading opera figures: José Cura, Wasfi Kani, Dame Felicity Lott, Frederica von Stade and Chair of the Jury, David Pountney. With music by Rossini, Mozart, Handel and Stravinsky, the singers are accompanied by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra conducted by Ariane Matiakh.

Welsh mezzo soprano Angharad Lyddon from Wrexham represents the host nation, taking on singers from Brazil, South Korea, the USA and Ukraine in round two of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. Petroc Trelawny and Josie d’Arby present from the stage of St David’s Hall in Cardiff and Welsh opera legend Rebecca Evans casts an expert eye over the evening's singing. Enjoy the whole concert in full, with singers accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Ewa Strusinska.

The search continues for the world’s next opera star as five more young singers compete to be BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. Petroc Trelawny and Josie D’Arby are at St David’s Hall in Cardiff to guide us through the performances by singers from Argentina, South Africa, England, Ukraine and Russia. Welsh tenor Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts is on hand to give his insight on the night's performances. The Welsh National Opera Orchestra is led by the French conductor Ariane Matiakh.

It’s the fourth and last qualifying round in the world's greatest opera singing competition. Singers from Portugal, South Korea, Russia, Mexico and for the first time, Guatemala, compete for a place in the final. As well as tonight’s winner we find out the identity of the judges 'wildcard' selection who will complete Saturday’s line-up and there are details on how you can vote in this year's Audience Prize. Josie D’Arby and Petroc Trelawny present from St David’s Hall, Cardiff, with expert analysis from top Canadian baritone Gerald Finley. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is conducted by Ewa Strusinska.

Petroc Trelawny and Josie d’Arby host the first of two finals taking place in Cardiff this week. The Song Prize was first won by legendary Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel when it was introduced thirty years ago in 1989. For this final, the orchestra has been replaced by a piano as five singers aim to impress the expert panel of judges in the intimate and demanding discipline of ‘art song’ or lieder. On hand to discuss their performances is Welsh bass-baritone Neal Davies who won the prize in 1991 and leading vocal coach Mary King.

The search for the world's next opera star is hotting up, as five outstanding singers prepare to make one last bid to win the prestigious title of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019. Ahead of the contest’s dramatic final, Josie d’Arby and Elin Manahan Thomas lead you through the highlights of the previous week’s rounds and introduce the five singers from around the world who have succeeded in making it through to the last phase of the world's biggest singing competition. As well as bringing you the most thrilling musical moments from the competition so far, there is also exclusive backstage access from the week's concerts, including interviews with the singers, conductors and jurors. We also hear from the experts, getting their insight on the finalists’ previous performances as they consider which of these rising stars might just have what it takes to secure the most coveted crown in the opera world.

At the end of a week in which we have enjoyed some exceptional performances, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019 reaches its thrilling finale. The winners of the four rounds are joined by this year’s judges’ wildcard to compete for what many consider the most prestigious prize in opera. Acclaimed soprano Danielle De Niese joins Petroc Trelawny and Josie d’Arby as special guest presenter to bring full coverage of the final from St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2017 winner Catriona Morison returns to the Welsh capital as our guest together with acclaimed bass Jonathan Lemalu and vocal coach Mary King, who will both provide their expert insights. The finalists will perform in front of a packed house that includes the competition’s distinguished judging panel made up of leading names in opera - José Cura, Wasfi Kani, Dame Felicity Lott, Frederica von Stade and chair of the jury, David Pountney. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ariane Matiakh and Ewa Strusinska, provide the accompaniment. At the end of the evening, one artist will be awarded the title of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019.