OPERA singers from across the globe have been selected to compete in this year’s BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.

The eyes of the opera world will be on Cardiff for the 30th anniversary of the eight-day biennial contest, which boasts Dame Kiri Te Kanawa as its patron, is widely recognised as the premier showcase for opera and concert singers at the outset of their careers.

FromMilan to NewYork, Buenos Aires and beyond, auditions have taken place in nine locations worldwide, seeking the 20 outstanding singers for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2013.

More than 400 opera and concert singers at the start of their careers entered the contest.

For the singers who’ve been selected, the exposure to large audiences, both in Cardiff and across the BBC’s television, radio and online services, will give an invaluable boost to their careers.

Head of Opera at the Guildhall School of Music, Clive Timms and the distinguished accompanist, Ingrid Surgenor, drewup a shortlist of 52 singers fromthe initial DVDselection process.

Former Director of Opera at The Royal Opera, Elaine Padmore, one of the three judges, who travelled the world to audition for the final 20, said: “It’s always a fascinating process being involved in listening to young singers – voices you haven’t heard before. Every voice is individual, and you’re always looking for that singer that gives you that ‘tingle’ that makes you think – this is a different and special voice.

“These 20 singers are well on their way to being good, professional singers. They are on the cusp and looking towards Cardiff – the glittering prize.

It’s the competition that gives you that incredible push forward as it’s seen so widely around the world.

What the singers are doing is trying to advance their careers by getting that fantastic global moment.

“Acompetition like BBC Cardiff Singer of the World has a big reputation as it’s been going for 30 years now. When you look back at the winners, such as Karita Mattila who won the very first one, you realise that even the singers who didn’t win are nowvery big names. Wagner singers like Nina Stemme and Michael Volle, became famous as their voicesmatured.”

This year’s competitors, who will perform in Cardiff from June 16-23 will have the added distinction of performing in front of Dame Kiri.

Astrong supporter and mentor to newsingers, she is passing on her invaluable experiences as a jury member and patron. With her to judge the main prize will be Elena Obraztsova, Neil Shicoff, Bernd Weikl, Per Boye Hansen, Maren Hofmeister and chairman, Nicholas Payne.

The singers, who will perform their own programmes at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, will be accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Jun Markl and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera conducted by Graeme Jenkins.

Established in 1983 by BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World winners include Anja Harteros, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and 2011’s Valentina Nafornita.

The winner of the main prize will receive £15,000 and the Cardiff Trophy, while the Song Prize, for the best singer of Lieder and art song, carries a £5,000 prize and trophy.

BBC Cardiff Singer of the World is organised by BBC Cymru Wales in association with Welsh National Opera and supported by the City and County of Cardiff.

More details at bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger