How to apply?

Many previous prizewinners, such as Olaf Bär, Elīna Garanča, Andrea Rost and Julia Lezhneva have later become prominent figures in the world of singing. 

The Helin Competition offers, among other things:

• the largest prizes of any major classical singing competition worldwide
• feedback from a panel of top judges
• performance opportunities and career mentoring.

Through the Mirjam Helin Competition, we aim to support young singers in building their international careers. That is why participants in the competition are offered, among other things, the opportunity to take part in master classes and repertoire coaching. For those who do not advance in the competition, there will be performance opportunities during the event.

The main prize in the competition is €60,000 — the largest of any major classical singing competition worldwide.  The second prize is €40,000, and the third prize €30,000. The other finalists will each receive €10,000 and all competitors who advance to the semifinals will also receive awards. A jury of leading figures from the international world of singing will also award special prizes. The singers will also be offered opportunities to perform in lied recitals, appear as soloists with orchestras, and receive career mentoring.

The application period begins on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 (Finnish time, UTC+2) and ends on Monday 30 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (Finnish time, UTC+2). 

The competition is open to singers born in or after 1995.   

By entering this competition, the singer agrees to abide by the competition rules, the rules governing performance and the jury’s decisions. At the same time, by entering the competition, the singer affirms that they will be free from all professional obligations for the duration of the competition.  

Applications must be submitted through the online application form available at mirjamhelin.fi/apply. There is no application or participation fee. 

As part of the preliminary selection process, please submit three high-quality audiovisual recordings containing:

• At least one opera aria
• At least one lied
• One work of your choice (an aria, lied, or other song)

Each song must be performed in a different language. Pieces performed in the preliminary round recordings may also be included in your competition repertoire. The total duration of the recordings must not exceed 15 minutes. 

Please upload each recording to the application system as a separate file. Links to recordings will not be accepted. We recommend using the MP4 format, but the system also accepts the following file types: MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, M4V, MPEG, WEBM, 3GP, and OGG. 

You must remain visible in the video throughout the entire performance. Each work must be recorded in a single take during a live performance with a pianist or orchestra. Audio and video may not be recorded separately. All recordings must have been made after 1 January 2026.

In addition, your application must include:

• Name and contact information
• Date of birth
• Voice type
• Competition repertoire (see the Rules)
• A short biography in English
• A photograph
• Pianist’s details, if you are bringing your own pianist.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

The preliminary selection jury will choose the competitors invited to participate in the competition based on the submitted applications. If you are accepted, you will receive written confirmation by 15 January 2027. 

Changes to your submitted competition repertoire may be approved until 12 February 2027. 

You are required to register in person at the Competition Office on 6 June 2027 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and to attend the draw for the competition order on the same day at 2:00 p.m.

Competitors are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to the competition venue in Turku. 

However, the competition may, at its discretion, grant a travel subsidy to competitors arriving from outside Europe or for other particularly compelling reasons. The subsidy may cover up to 50% of the ticket price, up to a maximum of €500. A free-form application must be submitted by 28 February 2027 to info@mirjamhelin.fi. 

Competitors requiring a visa for Finland must obtain it well in advance from the relevant Finnish embassy or consulate. 

All competitors must register for the competition in person on Sunday 6 June between 10:00 and 13:00 and participate in the draw for the performance order at 14:00 on the same day. 

The competition provides accommodation for all competitors for the entire duration of the event, 5–18 June 2026, regardless of whether a singer advances to the next rounds. Accommodation includes breakfast, and competitors are additionally offered lunch daily. 

Accommodation is provided only for the singers participating in the competition. The competition does not cover accommodation for a singer’s own pianist. 

Competitors who are not selected for the semifinals or finals will be offeredmasterclasses, repertoire coaching, and performance opportunities in Turku and the surrounding area. 

We will provide more information about the side programme closer to the competition.