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In 2011 it was a great pleasure for me to follow in the footsteps of my friend and inspiration Dame Joan Sutherland by accepting the invitation to become Patron of Â鶹Éç Cardiff Singer of the World.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of this prestigious competition and we are now searching to find the next Â鶹Éç Cardiff Singer of the World. The competition has a reputation as a hugely important showcase for young singers and the twenty who will be invited to Cardiff will follow in the footsteps of some distinguished predecessors, including Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bryn Terfel and the first ever winner, Karita Mattila.

Â鶹Éç Cardiff Singer of the World is open to classical singers of any nationality, resident anywhere in the world and is intended for those at the beginning of their professional careers. For those singers who make it through to the concerts in Cardiff, the competition provides valuable international exposure as well as extensive coverage on Â鶹Éç television, radio and online. The Final attracts wide media attention as well as the opportunity to sing before a distinguished jury.

Each singer who performs in Cardiff will receive a bursary of £1,000. There is a £15,000 cash prize for the winner and each finalist will receive £2,000. As well as the main competition, singers can chose to enter for the Song Prize for which the winner receives £5,000.

First round audition is by DVD and singers who are shortlisted will be auditioned in person at venues across the world. Finalists will travel to Cardiff in June for rehearsals followed by performances with full orchestra in the National Concert Hall of Wales.

May I encourage you to audition for the next Â鶹Éç Cardiff Singer of the World - a competition which, as Patron, is close to my heart.

"Good Luck and I look forward to hearing you in Cardiff next year.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa