What is Kattenburg Competition?

Founded in 2017 in memory of the Dutch philanthropic couple Claire and Willy Kattenburg, who died in Lausanne in 2012, this opera singing competition celebrates and perpetuates their love of the arts. These patrons were deeply attached to the capital of the canton of Vaud and had inherited their passion for music from Willy's mother, née Tauber, who introduced him to singing in his native Vienna. Today, their legacy lives on through the Kattenburg Foundation, which sponsors the competition.

After four editions that have highlighted the exceptional talents of HEMU candidates, particularly during the final with an orchestra at the Opéra de Lausanne, the 2026 edition is broadening its scope. From now on, all Master's degree holders in singing from Swiss universities of music will be eligible to participate. The semi-finals will be held at the BCV Concert Hall and the grand final, broadcast on RTS Espace 2, will take place at the Opéra de Lausanne.

View the schedule for the 2026 edition of the Kattenburg Competition.