In principle, it can be any repertoire, but since this is a competition for baroque opera, we would recommend a baroque aria. The jury wants to see if you can sing baroque. The recording will be used to decide whether you will be accepted to the competition.
A change of the recording for the preselection is possible until the application deadline (31.05.2024) on the application platform.
No, it can be sung in any instrumentation and pitch.
One aria is sung in the first round. An aria should be chosen that offers the opportunity to emphasize the skills of one's own voice. In the second round, two arias are sung. These arias should be used to show the variety and bandwidth of one's own voice.
Yes, there are guidelines. The selection of arias for the 1st and 2nd round has to be made from the repertoire of those composers who are listed under Article 15 in the "Terms and conditions". These can be found here: Terms & Conditions - Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik (altemusik.at).
Arias from oratorios may be sung if they have already been performed scenically.
The arias for the first two rounds are to be selected in such a way that the performance time does not exceed five minutes in the first round and ten minutes in the second round.
Yes, a final aria may also be sung in the first or second round, but it may not be sung again in the final. A total of five different arias must be prepared for the competition.
Yes. The arias of the second round must be specified in the application in the desired order. Changes are possible until 31.07.2024. Please change the order by the registration deadline (31.05.2024) directly on the registration platform and afterwards by mail (cesti@altemusik.at). Later changes can not be considered. The order of the final arias will be decided by the musical director of the orchestra and the head of the jury.
No, for the final one aria by Vivaldi and one aria by another composer must be selected from the compulsory arias.
It is allowed to sing an aria from a different voice category.
The pieces have to be sung in their original language, from memory, and in their original key.
The scores of the compulsory arias can be downloaded on the registration platform after registration.
Yes, changes of the arias as well as their order in the second round are possible until 31.07.2024. Please change them until the registration deadline (31.05.2024) directly on the registration platform and afterwards by mail (cesti@altemusik.at). Changes after 31.07.2024 can no longer be considered.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications after the registration deadline. We look forward receiving your application next year.
The next edition of the Cesti Competition will take place at the end of August 2025. The exact dates will be published here at a later time.
The competition office is open on competition days from 08:30 – 19:00 and can be reached via e-mail (cesti@altemusik.at) or telephone (+43 512 57103215).
- 25.08. Registration (09:00 – 14:00) and welcome with drawing of the order of performance (14:30)
- 26.08. – 27.08. 1st round: in the evening of 24.08. the participants of the second round and their performance order will be announced
- 28.08. 2nd round: announcement of the finalists in the evening
- 29.08. Preparation day for the final
- 30.08. Dress rehearsal and final
The performance begins with entering the stage, and participants are expected to introduce themselves with their name and the title of the aria before singing. This is also considered a part of the presentation.
No, only solo recitatives that precede or follow the arias must be sung.
No, the arias of the second round must be sung by the participants directly one after the other.
The arias of the first and second rounds will be performed with harpsichord accompaniment. If you do not bring your own répétiteur, the Festwochen will provide one. Please specify this when registering.
The final arias will be performed with orchestral accompaniment. The day before the final serves as a rehearsal day for orchestra and finalists.
Participants have 10 minutes of rehearsal time with a répétiteur before the first round and 20 minutes of rehearsal time before the second round. The répétiteur who accompanies them in the rehearsal will also be the répétiteur with whom they perform. Participants may be assigned a different répétiteur in the second round than in the first round.
Yes, participants must bring the sheet music for the répétiteurs and hand it in at their registration on 25.08.2024 at Haus der Musik.
Yes, all three rounds are open to the public. Admission for the first and second round is free, tickets for the final are available on our website.
Participants are free in their choice of clothes. The choice of stage attire should reflect one's own personality as best as possible and, if possible, also the role.
In the Haus der Musik there are rooms with pianos available, which participants can use after their registration on 25.08.2024.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to rehearse in the competition hall. In the Haus der Musik there are practice rooms available on the 4th floor.
The practice rooms can be used on competition days from 08:30 – 19:00.
Information about hotels in Innsbruck can be found on the website of Innsbruck Tourismus (Hotels, rooms & accommodation in the Innsbruck region) as well as on various booking platforms (e.g. Booking.com, Airbnb, ...).
Luggage can be deposited at the competition office during the day. The Festwochen does not take any liability for lost items.
Free WiFi is available at Haus der Musik.