Major International Singing Competition becomes the Queen Sonja Singing Competition as it unveils new logo and brand

One of the leading singing competitions today announced a new name-change and visual identity. Previously known as the Queen Sonja International Music Competition, the Competition is now the Queen Sonja Singing Competition. Alongside its name change, the Competition has revealed its new logo, visual identity and website.

Ever since its inception, the Queen Sonja Singing Competition has created a global platform for young singers from around the world to come to Oslo, Norway, to compete for this prestigious prize that has launched many international careers.

Applications open on February 1st for the 2023 Competition via the Competition’s new website with dedicated resources to guide prospective applicants through the process.

When the Queen Sonja International Music Competition launched in 1988, the prize was originally awarded to pianists. In 1995, the prize was dedicated to singers instead in honour of the centenary of the birth of legendary Norwegian soprano Kirsten Flagstad. This change has remained in place for every competition that has taken place in the 34 years since.

Held every two years in Oslo, the QSSC connects young singers with new audiences, top industry professionals and the very best artistic guidance, with the aim of giving competitors the ultimate boost to their international careers. Notable past winners of the competition include Daniel Behle (2005), Kristina Mkhitarian (2013), Lise Davidsen (2015) and finalists: Jacquelyn Wagner (2009), Elsa Dreisig (2015) and Giovanni Sebastiano Sala (2017).

Ever since the inaugural competition in 1988, Her Majesty Queen Sonja has been closely involved, personally presenting every prize awarded to date. This year, the top three finalists will be presented with a diploma and original artwork by HM Queen Sonja herself, alongside prizes of €50,000, €10,000 and €5,000 respectively. The best Norwegian participant will receive The Ingrid Bjoner Scholarship of 100,000 NOK.

“The Queen Sonja International Music Competition has established itself as a platform that launches the best young singers around the world into international stardom. I am excited by our new name and visual identity which reflect how the Competition continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of young singers. I would like to extend my thanks to Her Majesty Queen Sonja for her dedicated patronage and inspiration to all involved in the Competition.”

Lars Hallvard Flæten, Executive Director of the Competition

The next Queen Sonja Singing Competition will take place in Oslo on 15-26 August 2023. Singers from around the world, born in or after 1991, are eligible to apply. Applications (submitted in the form of video performance) will open on 1 February 2023.