NATIA BEZHASHVILI
“The Vienna Opera Network Award is for me not only a victory, but also a strong motivation for further artistic growth and development. The high standards of the competition, the objective evaluation process, and your genuine attention to young artists create an environment where talent and dedication are truly valued. It is especially meaningful to see how initiatives like this, supported by the Mozart Foundation, become real opportunities for young singers to refine their artistry and present themselves on an international level.
I follow the projects and initiatives of the Vienna Opera Network with great interest. Your work plays an important role in the professional advancement of young vocalists and creates a strong cultural platform that combines quality, tradition, and a forward-looking artistic vision. It is truly an honor for me to become part of this network.
Thank you once again for your trust, support, and commitment to fostering young artists. I look forward to future collaboration and to staying in touch.” – Natia Bezhashvili
Paid to the Winner's Bank Account.
Submit an aria video → Community voting → Final selection by festival jury.
Artist Management
Pianist, Vocal Coach & Former Houston Grand Opera Music Director for Opera To Go
Vocal Teacher & Bass
Submission Deadline: 15 February 2026 — 23:59 (Vienna time)
Voting Period: 16–20 February 2026
Winner Announced: 22 February 2026
1. Join the Facebook group Vienna Opera Network
2. Post your aria video following the submission format
3. Community voting takes place inside the group
The €1,000 cash prize. Paid to the Winner’s Bank Account.
Organizer:
Vienna Opera Festival in collaboration with the Mozart Foundation.
Prize:
€1,000 cash award (guaranteed). Paid to the Winner’s Bank Account.
Eligibility:
Open to opera singers worldwide, age 18+. One submission per participant.
Submission:
Participants submit one aria video (3–5 minutes) inside the Facebook group Vienna Opera Network using hashtag #VONAward2026.
Submission deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:59 (Vienna time).
Community Voting:
Each 👍 Like on a submission post counts as one vote.
Voting period: 16–20 February 2026.
The Top 5 most-liked videos become finalists. Fraudulent voting may lead to disqualification.
Final Jury Selection:
The final winner is chosen from the Top 5 finalists by an official jury of three judges appointed by Vienna Opera Festival. The jury evaluates vocal quality, musicality, and artistic expression. The jury’s decision is final.
Winner Announcement:
22 February 2026 via Vienna Opera Network and official festival channels.
Rights:
By submitting, participants allow Vienna Opera Festival to share excerpts of their video for promotional purposes with credit.
Acceptance:
Submission implies acceptance of these rules.
Powered by Vienna Opera Festival & Mozart Foundation — Building a global opera community in Vienna.
