Melbourne’s Gertrude Opera has launched an Australian regional heat for the prestigious 2020 Glyndebourne Opera Cup, open to singers aged 21-32, of any nationality, in the early stages of their career. With a top cash prize of £15,000 (approximately $AUD27,000), the winner of the Cup is also guaranteed a professional role at a top international opera house. To be held this October as a satellite event at the Yarra Valley Opera Festival, the regional heat welcomes singers from Australia, New Zealand, China and Hong Kong. The winner will go on to compete against 19 singers from around the world in the Cup’s semi-final in March, vying for one of six places in the final.

Samantha Hankey, winner of the 2018 Glyndebourne Opera Cup, with Dame Janet Baker, honorary president of the competition. Photo © Richard Hubert Smith

“As the oldest opera festival in the world, Glyndebourne holds a special place in the heart of many – a magical place where opera brings people together,” said Linda Thompson, Artistic Director of Gertrude Opera and the Yarra Valley Opera Festival.

“Our exciting collaboration enables outstanding emerging operatic talent in our region to be discovered – and...