The Fundación Ibáñez Atkinson has announced that it will hold the first ever Audiciones FIA between Nov. 18-21, 2019 in Santiago, Chile.

The initiative is aimed at connecting Latin American lyrical talents with the international opera world. The panel for these auditions will include representatives from such organizations as the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, The Dallas Opera, and Theater Erfurt. There will be panelists from Latin American theaters as well as Andrés Rodríguez-Spoerer (Artistic Director of the Fundación Ibáñez Atkinson) and David Blackburn (NYIOP).

“For years, the opera world has sought to hear the emerging talent from around South America and there has never before been a way for artists to be discovered without paying thousands and thousands to go to the other side of the world,” noted Blackburn in a press release. “For more than eighteen years I have scouted talent in five continents, and every year I am asked about the artists from South America. To the artists joining us for auditions – the panel coming to hear you is hungry to discover South American artists and to assist in bringing them into the European and American opera system.

“This would simply never be possible without the support of the incredible Fundación Ibáñez Atkinson and their commitment to giving opportunities to amazing artists!”

Latin American opera singers, ages 17 and up, are invited to audition and must register by Sept. 20, 2019 at www.audicionesfia.com.