Widely regarded as Australia’s most prestigious singing award for oratorio singers, the 20th RMP Aria Competition will take place this year on Saturday 29 August 2026 at 7 pm.

Official Accompanist: Stefan Cassomenos

Chair, Adjudicators: Andrew Wailes

NB: DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 5pm, FRIDAY 31 JULY 2026

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE (Available 18th May)

RULES OF THE COMPETITION

The RMP Aria Competition is open to all classical singers, amateur or professional
Eligible entrants must be:
i) under 35 years at 29 August, 2026
ii) an Australasian citizen or current resident

Any previous or current member of the RMP choir, or a previously engaged soloist with the RMP is still permitted to enter the competition, provided they meet the two criteria above.

2. Repertoire for finalists
Contestants must perform repertoire strictly from oratorio, and no operatic repertoire or art song lieder etc
will be permitted, irrespective of period. Any recitative, aria, or excerpt will be permitted from oratorio,
sacred cantata, mass, mass fragment, liturgical work or a musical composition (originally or generally not intended to be staged) whose text is generally religious, serious or philosophical in nature.

Any queries regarding permitted repertoire should be directed to the RMP Artistic Director,
Mr Andrew Wailes via email: musicdirector@rmp.org.au or SMS: 0433 661 971

2026 ARIA RULES AND ENTRY FORM (Available from 18th May)

Prizes:

First prize will be a cash award of $2500,  as well as a paid professional future engagement and recording with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic and two private coaching sessions with the RMP Chief Conductor and accompanist.

Second prize will be a cash prize of $1000, with an optional offer of a paid professional future engagement with the RMP and two private coaching sessions with the RMP Chief Conductor and accompanist.

Third prize will be a cash prize of $750, with an optional offer of a paid professional future engagement with the RMP.

There will also be a Conductor’s Encouragement Award of $500, awarded by the RMP Artistic Director.

A special People’s Choice Award will take the form of a cash prize of $500. This will be judged by the audience.