Each year, around 3,000 singers from 155 countries attend auditions in 50 cities. In the end, around 150 gifted young singers are chosen to compete in the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Contest finals in Vienna. The final auditions taken place in different cities around the world in recent years and the high profile contest has been held in the Netherlands and Germany so far. This year, it will take place in South Africa. Thanks to baritone Sedat Öztoprak's initiatives since 2001, Istanbul was added to the contest calendar and contestants from the Middle East, the Balkans and Turkey are eligible to register for the contest. For the first time this year, the eliminations for the contest finals will take place at the Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center on May 28 in Bakırköy, Istanbul. A world-famous panel of judges will carefully conduct the elimination process along with a Turkish panel of judges. Moreover, the finalists that will represent Turkey will be determined a day before, on May 27. The gala concert, on the other hand, will take place on May 28, and Beşiktaş Rotary will present an award to one of the young talents on behalf of Belkıs Aran.

When: Saturday

Where: Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center