BBC Singer of the World begins

Elizabeth Donovan carries Welsh hopes in the main competition

Some of the finest singers from around the world have gathered in St David's Hall for the BBC's Singer of the World in Cardiff competition.

The opening day of the competition, on Sunday, saw the first round of performances for the main competition as well as the Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize at the city's New Theatre.

Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel started his rise to stardom with by winning the song prize in 1989.

The week of competition among 25 singers - which marks the 20th anniversary of the event - culminates in the overall final on Sunday 29 June.

BBC SINGER OF THE WORLD

Runs from June 22 to June 29, 2003

Five concert rounds to be shown on BBC Four, final live on BBC Two, streamed on new website

Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize broadcast live on BBC Radio 3

BBC Radio 3 reports from Cardiff throughout the week

Extra coverage on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru

Special 'Battle of the Baritones' DVD due out in May

BBCi: Cardiff Singer of the World

In the main competition, 25 opera singers from around the globe hope to win the £10,000 prize and engagements to sing with the National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera.

It is also an opportunity for up-and-coming stars to be spotted.

Manager of the event, Kate Jones, said: "The hall will be full of orchestra managers, chorus managers and casting directors.

"They all want to see new talent so it's a great opportunity for them to be seen."

The last winner of the biennial competition was Romanian Marius Brenciu in 2001.

Flying the flag for Wales in this year's main competition is soprano Elizabeth Donovan.

Donovan, 23, from Cardiff, is a student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and is the youngest contestant in this year's competition.

She begins her bid to become the first Welsh winner of the overall title on Monday.

In the main competition, singers are required to demonstrate their prowess in the disciplines of opera or concert music.

Cardiff Singer of the World, as it was known until this year, was started by BBC Wales in 1983 and in the 20 years since it has become among the premier singing competitions in the world.

As well as the competitions for the world's finest singers, amateurs can take to the St David's Hall stage for a masterclass on Friday, 27 June.

The 2003 Singer of the World event boasts a new direction, incorporating interactive voting by TV, phone, internet and in St David's Hall, for its 20th anniversary.