First edition of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition
First edition of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition
The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition has drawn to an extraordinary close, leaving us inspired and deeply moved by the artistry and talent on display.
This year’s competition, hosted in collaboration with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, brought together a stunning array of vocal talent, celebrating the enduring legacy of Maestro Pavarotti and his unwavering passion for nurturing the next generation of opera stars.
With nearly 400 applicants from around the world, the competition showcased the incredible diversity and brilliance of emerging opera talent. From this impressive pool, 19 outstanding singers were selected to participate in the live competition, culminating in a magnificent final day featuring the top 8 contestants performing before an esteemed international jury and an enthusiastic audience. Culminating in a magnificent final day featuring the top 8 contestants performing before an esteemed international jury and an enthusiastic audience.
We are thrilled to announce and celebrate our winners, who embody the exceptional promise and artistry that Maestro Pavarotti held so dear:
Simona Genga, mezzo-soprano
Luna Park, soprano
Minghao Liu, tenor
Cumhur Görgün, bass
These extraordinary artists captivated us with their powerful performances, demonstrating technical brilliance, emotional depth and the timeless beauty of operatic expression.
The event would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our distinguished jury members, whose careful deliberations honored the high standards of this prestigious competition.
Jury
The jury was chaired by Nicoletta Pavarotti and Ramón Tebar. The jury was presided over by Nicoletta Pavarotti and Ramón Tebar. Additional jury members include international singers, opera directors, casting directors, artistic directors and consultants of renowned opera houses:
Nicoletta Pavarotti, President of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation
Ramón Tebar, Opera Naples Artistic and Music Director
Sherrill Milnes, Baritone and Co-founder of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs
Krzysztof Biernacki, Director of Bower School of Music and the Arts, Florida Gulf Coast University
Bruce Ford, tenor
John Churchwell, responsabile musicale della San Francisco Opera
Carrie-Ann Matheson, Artistic Director of the San Francisco Opera Center, Adler Program and Merola Opera Program
Maria Todaro, General Director of Florida Grand Opera
Maria Zouves, Stage Director, President and Co-Founder of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs
Louis Otey, Baritone
Dr. Jeanie Darnell, Head of Vocal Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University School of Music
Manny Perez, MET Lindemann Program Faculty and Director of Voice Studies at Miami Music Festival
Nicola Colabianchi, Artistic Director of Teatro Lirico di Cagliari (Italy)
Burak Bilgili, Bass-baritone

