Aria Borealis: International Baroque Singing Competition
The Aria Borealis International Baroque Singing Competition will hold its second edition in Helsinki in October 2026, following its debut in Bodø (Norway) in 2022. Dedicated to singers specialising in early music, the competition emphasises artistic collaboration and interaction rather than pure vocal rivalry.
Aria Borealis is created and led by ensembles from the Nordic Baroque Scene (NBS) — Barokkanerne, Concerto Copenhagen, Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra — with the Estonian ensemble Floridante joining the 2026 edition.
The event forms part of the Helsinki Early Music Festival (27 September–4 October 2026) and is organised in partnership with Musiikkitalo and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, alongside public activities under the name Boreallas. The distinguished jury will include Emma Kirkby, Veerle Däcklerck, Justin Doyle and Jadran Ducumb.
After video preselection, eight singers will participate in a semifinal on 2 October and a semi-staged final on 4 October. Alongside cash prizes, winners will receive performance opportunities with leading baroque ensembles and the RIAS Chamber Choir.
Application deadline: 28 February 2026
The event forms part of the Helsinki Early Music Festival (27 September–4 October 2026) and is organised in partnership with Musiikkitalo and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, alongside public activities under the name Boreallas. The distinguished jury will include Emma Kirkby, Veerle Däcklerck, Justin Doyle and Jadran Ducumb.
After video preselection, eight singers will participate in a semifinal on 2 October and a semi-staged final on 4 October. Alongside cash prizes, winners will receive performance opportunities with leading baroque ensembles and the RIAS Chamber Choir.
Application deadline: 28 February 2026
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