The Kattenburg Singing Competition

From this year onwards, the Kattenburg Competition will be open to all Master's students of singing in Switzerland, marking a significant change from previous editions, which were reserved for students and alumni of the HEMU – Haute École de Musique.

Founded in 2017 in memory of the Dutch philanthropic couple Claire and Willy Kattenburg, who died in Lausanne in 2012, this opera singing competition perpetuates their love of the arts. These patrons were deeply attached to the capital 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 showcased the exceptional talents of HEMU candidates, particularly during the final with an orchestra at the Lausanne Opera, the 2026 edition is expanding its reach. From now on, all Master's degree holders in singing from Swiss music colleges will be eligible to participate. The semi-finals will be held at the BCV Concert Hall and the grand final, which will be broadcast on Espace 2, will take place at the Opéra de Lausanne.

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