There was an overwhelming response to the Singing Competition, with about 150 applications from all over the world.

For the preliminary rounds on 4-6 July, we have selected 90 singers representing 28 countries. Exactly half of these are from the UK. The average age is 28.5.

In July we will hear 45 sopranos, 14 mezzos, 4 countertenors, 17 tenors, 7 baritones, 3 bass-baritones and 2 basses.

Of these, no more than 12 will go forward to the semi-final on 10 September.