The 15th Klaudia Taev Competition for Opera Singers will take place from 5 to 10 September 2027 in Pärnu, Estonia.

The competition offers a unique Grand Prize – the opportunity to “WIN YOUR DREAM” by singing a favourite opera role in a production specially staged for the winner of the competition. The winning production will be performed during the following competition in 2029.

The Klaudia Taev Competition was founded in 1996 by musician and writer Toomas Kuter in memory of his teacher, the legendary Pärnu singing teacher Klaudia Taev. Since then, the competition has grown into a major international event, bringing numerous young singers from all over the world to Pärnu.

Klaudia Taev was a legendary singing teacher in the small Estonian resort town of Pärnu. She taught a great number of students, most of them free of charge, because she believed that everyone could sing and that everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to sing.

Naming an international competition after her is an homage to this dedicated woman, but also a symbolic bow to all the so-called first teachers who have guided every singer at the very beginning of their journey – teachers whom no singer can do without.

The Competition Jury is composed of internationally renowned opera professionals, including singers, teachers, conductors, artistic directors and representatives of opera theatres and agencies. Among the distinguished opera personalities who have served on the Jury are Vesselina Kasarova, Barbara Hendricks, Edda Moser, Dolora Zajick, Maria Guleghina, Yevgeny Nesterenko, Karan Armstrong-Friedrich, Teresa Żylis-Gara, Ileana Cotrubaș, Sergei Leiferkus, Luana DeVol, Virgilijus Noreika, Cynthia Makris, Alexander Vedernikov and Irina Arkhipova.

The presence of artistic directors and casting managers of theatres on the Jury, together with representatives of international opera agencies invited to attend the Competition, provides young singers with unique opportunities to establish professional contacts and pursue engagements with European opera companies and opera studios.

The Competition programme also includes masterclasses led by renowned opera singers and teachers, allowing participants to further develop their vocal and artistic skills. In addition, a range of lectures and professional sessions offers practical insights into the challenges of an international singing career and what it takes to build a successful and sustainable career as an opera singer.

The Artistic Director of the Klaudia Taev Competition is conductor Erki Pehk.