International Handel Singing Competition opens for entries

The 2026 International Handel Singing Competition is now accepting applications from singers aged 23-34 on 9 February 2026. First run in 2002, the semi-finals and finals are held in the composer's own church, St George's, Hanover Square, with prizes of up to £5,000 on offer.

The London Handel Society was formed in 1975 by Denys Darlow and the first London Handel Festival took place in the summer of 1978. Handel was known for his passion for nurturing young talent in London through his Royal Academy of Music (formed in 1719 and unrelated to the modern conservatoire of the same name) and offering performance opportunities in his prolific operatic output. In this regard, the London Handel Festival continues his work; among the previous finalists and winners there are many names familiar to Continuo Connect readers, including Helen Charlston, Hilary Cronin, Iestyn Davies and Florian Störtz.

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^{Soprano Lucy Crowe performs 'I know that my redeemer liveth' from Handel's Messiah in the 2021 London Handel Festival.}

Before the preliminary round submission deadline on 16 January 2026, singers are required to submit a video recording of a Handel aria, including a section of recitative lasting no longer than three minutes. Successful candidates will then be invited to two days of in-person competition in London on 9 and 10 February, and the semi-final and final will take place in public performances on 7 and 11 March respectively, as part of the main festival programme. Up to five finalists will be accompanied by Steven Devine and members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Visit the London Handel Festival website for full entry information and an application form.