The German national competitionBundeswettbewerb Gesang Berlin was inaugurated in 1966 as a competition for solo singing. Beginning in 1979, it has been held annually, for the categoriesMusical andChanson in uneven years, forOpera,Operetta and concert singing in even years. The patron of the competition is themayor of Berlin, where the competition is organized and held by the associationBundeswettbewerb Gesang Berlin.
The competition supports young singers for stages in German-speaking countries who have to display varied repertory. They have to be of German nationality and finished school in Germany. The final rounds are held in public in Berlin, where also concerts of the winners are presented in the city's music theatres. The prize money of around 50,000 Euro comes from the mayor of Berlin for the first prize in the main competition, and additionally from the Deutscher Bühnenverein, Berlin Opera houses, foundations and private sponsors for the other prizes.
Among the recipients were:[1]
Among the recipients were:[2]