A call open until 28 February  
Recognising the trajectory of young artists under 36 
Category of opera, specifically composition 

The Carmen Mateu European Award Young Artists, Opera and Dance was created last year by the Fundació Castell de Peralada to continue the memory of Carmen Mateu: to share a love of and passion for music, opera and dance.

The Carmen Mateu Young Artist European Award for Opera and Dance has therefore been established with the aim of being a cultural leader and reference point in promoting and enhancing the prestige of the disciplines of opera and dance in Europe, recognising the trajectory of young artists in order to contribute to the development of their careers.

After the first edition dedicated to dance, the second edition of the award is aimed at the category of opera, specifically at the discipline of composition. 

The call is open to candidates who are maximum 36 years old on the date their candidature is submitted, have built their career in opera composition, accredit the premiere of one of their works and who are of European nationality or who reside in Europe (Europe defined as the member states of the Council of Europe). Entries may be submitted until 28 February 2021. 

The winner of the second edition will be announced in Spring 2021 and receive a prize of 30,000 euros in respect of a commission for a new composition and a trophy created by the artist Santi Moix.

Raquel García-Tomás, Joan Matabosch, Josep Pons and Diana Syrse form part of the international Jury of experts which will vote for the candidate entering the best composition, in accordance with the organisation of the Festival Castell de Peralada, to receive a commission for the premiere of a pocket opera for the Festival Castell de Peralada in 2023.

Oriol Aguilà, director of the Festival Castell de Peralada and vice-president of the Jury highlighted the spirit of a genuine project clearly dedicated to supporting emerging creators: «since its very beginning, the Festival has never ceased to support artists who are starting out on their professional career, always committed to innovative productions and special commissions, as the hallmark of the Festival. We dedicated the first edition to dance and are now excited to be able to explore new creative pathways in opera, specifically in composition».

Want to apply? Fill in the online application form here and upload 

For more information, please read the specific rules or visit the Carmen Mateu Young Artist European Award website: carmenmateuaward.com

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