International Opera Competition "Anita Cerquetti"
The Montecosaro opera singing competition dedicated to the great soprano from the Marche region
About Anita Cerquetti Competition
A tribute to Anita Cerquetti
The International Opera Competition "Anita Cerquetti" is the main musical event of the Municipality of Montecosaro, in the Marche region, in the province of Macerata. Founded in 2011, the competition is dedicated to the memory of Anita Cerquetti (1931-2014), a soprano born in Montecosaro and considered one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, especially remembered for stepping in for Maria Callas in Norma in Rome in 1958.
A showcase for young voices
Organized by the Municipality of Montecosaro together with the Marche all'Opera Association, with the support of the Marche Region, the Rotary Club, and the Lions Club of Civitanova Marche, the competition attracts dozens of opera singers from all continents each year. The very first edition saw the participation of about seventy young artists from fifteen nations, and over time the event has become a benchmark for those taking their first steps in the world of opera.
Three days of music at the Teatro delle Logge
The selections take place over three days, between Friday and Sunday, in the historic Teatro delle Logge in Montecosaro, named after Cerquetti herself and transformed for the occasion into a small international center for bel canto. The final phase is open to the public, usually on Sunday afternoon, and is the most anticipated moment: the finalists perform before the jury and the audience, competing for the main awards.
Prizes and career opportunities
The competition not only awards cash prizes but, above all, concrete professional opportunities: concerts with the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra at the Casino's Opera Theatre and debuts in Italian and foreign opera productions. Over the years, winners have also received prizes such as debuts in international theaters, from the Baltimore Opera Theatre in the United States to the Craiova Opera Theatre in Romania. The jury is chaired by soprano Inès Salazar and joined by renowned orchestra conductors and music critics.
Why it's worth it
- An international opera final open to the public in a historic theater of the Marche region
- The chance to hear emerging opera voices before they take flight
- A heartfelt tribute to a great figure of Italian bel canto in her native town
- An event that links Montecosaro to the national and international opera circuit
Anita Cerquetti Competition — edition 2026
The sixteenth edition of the competition saw eleven singers reach the public final on April 12, 2026, at the Teatro delle Logge in Montecosaro. The jury, chaired by soprano Inès Salazar and coordinated by artistic director Alfredo Sorichetti, awarded the prizes, including cash prizes, concerts with the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra, and opera debuts.
Programme Anita Cerquetti Competition 2026
Final and Awards Ceremony — April 12, 2026
Winners of the 16th edition:
- 1st Prize: Tamon Inoue, baritone (Japan) — with a concert with the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra
- 2nd Prize ex aequo: Ester Kopel, soprano (Israel) and Costin-Cristian Fofuca, baritone (Romania) — Sanremo Symphony Orchestra Prize
- 3rd Prize ex aequo: Yoshihiko Miyashita, baritone (Japan) and Mario Falvella, bass (Italy)
- Craiova Opera Theatre Prize: Haruno Tominaga, soprano (Japan) — debut in Lucia di Lammermoor in the 2026-2027 season
- Young Talent Prize: Samuele Lattanzi, tenor (23 years old)
- Audience Award: Claudia Gallo, soprano (Italy)
Special mentions to Tamon Inoue and Costin-Cristian Fofuca.
Highlights Anita Cerquetti Competition 2026
Prices Anita Cerquetti Competition 2026
Practical information — Anita Cerquetti Competition
Where
Teatro delle Logge "Anita Cerquetti", historic center of Montecosaro (MC), Marche. The village is located in a panoramic position in the lower Chienti valley, in the province of Macerata.
How to get there
By car: from the A14 motorway, take the Civitanova Marche exit, then the SS77 dual carriageway towards Macerata and the exit for Montecosaro (about 15 minutes from the coast). By train: Civitanova Marche-Montegranaro station, then bus or taxi to Montecosaro.
Admission
The public final is free admission with reservation until seats are filled, by contacting the Marche all'Opera Association (tel. 328 6173579, [email protected]). It is advisable to book in advance, given the limited capacity of the Teatro delle Logge.
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Where does it take place — Anita Cerquetti Competition
Teatro delle Logge "Anita Cerquetti"
Via Cavour, 62010 Montecosaro