CORSICA LIRICA

The International Opera Singing Competition 

Katerina Kovanji
Founder and Artistic Director of the competition
Mezzo-soprano,
Russia, France. 

The uniqueness of the concept created by Katerina Kovanji: the competition is the first international opera singing competition to make the performance of a song in the regional language.

Since 2014 Katerina has performed throughout the island, particularly in Porto-Vecchio, Ajaccio and Ghisonaccia, developing a deep connection with Corsican culture and its rich vocal tradition.

In 2020 she recorded the album CORSICA LIRICA, in which she interpreted traditional, folkloric and contemporary Corsican songs through her operatic voice, accompanied by piano.
From this experience came Katerina Kovanji's idea for an international vocal competition in Corsica: a competition that would bring opera singers from around the world to the island and invite them to perform in corsican language.

CORSICA LIRICA brings together promising international opera singers and a professional jury of renowned singers, artistic directors, managers and other figures from the opera world. The generous financial support of the Municipality of Ghisonaccia, the Corsican Regional Authority and private sponsors has made the competition possible and contributed to creating attractive opportunities for participating singers.

CORSICA LIRICA creates a unique encounter between international opera and the language, music and cultural identity of Corsica.

Since its first edition in 2021, the Competition has discovered about 300 singers from more than 35 countries.
The prestigious international jury—which has featured renowned operatic experts including Marco Guidarini, Rita Ahonen, Katerina Kovanji, Margherita Rotondi, Gianmaria Aliverta, Gianni Tangucci, Maria Rosa Carminati . Beyond awarding standard Prizes, the jury members have provided valuable special prizes to the singers, offering them performance and professional work opportunities in the opera industry.