The NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition of the Liz Mohn Foundation has announced that Alexander Neef, Director of the Opéra national de Paris, will take on the role of Jury Chair for the 2026 edition.

Neef previously collaborated with the competition during Gérard Mortier’s tenure and supported emerging singers throughout his directorship at the Canadian Opera Company, including 2017 prizewinner Emily D’Angelo.

“Alexander Neef combines management skills with high artistic standards and a clear vision for the opera of the future. His expertise and commitment to young talent make him an ideal partner and mentor for NEUE STIMMEN,” said Liz Mohn, Founder and President of NEUE STIMMEN, per an official press release. “I am very pleased that I was able to recruit him as Chair of the Jury.”

She also thanked Dominique Meyer, who led the jury for 15 years.

The application process for this year’s competition opens on Feb. 1, 2026 and the final round is set to take place in Gütersloh from Oct. 5–9, 2026.

Also on the jury are Samuel Gelber (Washington National Opera), Sophie Joyce (Opéra national de Paris), Sophie de Lint (Dutch National Opera), Bernd Loebe (Oper Frankfurt), Christoph Seuferle (Deutsche Oper Berlin), Michael Volle, Elisabeth Sobotka (Staatsoper Unter den Linden), and Evamaria Wieser (Salzburg Festival).

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