On December 18 and 19, 2026, a new project dedicated to the renowned theatrical impresario from Formia will take place as part of the 10th edition of the Remigio Paone – La Caravella Prize.
Applications are open to opera singers of all nationalities.
FORMIA – Rooted in the great tradition of Italian musical theater and looking toward new generations of performers, the 1st “Remigio Paone” International Opera Singing Competition has been launched. It will be held in Formia on December 18 and 19, 2026, at the Teatro Iqbal Masih.
The Competition—fittingly themed “Discovering the Voices of the Future”—aims to showcase new operatic talent and offer performers tangible opportunities for professional exchange, growth, and artistic visibility.
This initiative is part of the 10th edition of the Remigio Paone – La Caravella Prize and seeks to honor one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Italian theater and music: Remigio Paone. Born in Formia in 1899, Paone was an impresario and cultural organizer who skillfully wove together theater, music, and entertainment, leaving a profound mark on Italian cultural life.
The bond between Paone and his hometown remains an integral part of Formia’s cultural memory to this day.
In 2025, the city dedicated a mural to him as part of the “Formia between Past and Future” project, while the State Archives of Latina preserve documents, programs, and materials from the Remigio Paone collection.
This new opera competition seeks to carry on that legacy, transforming memory into an opportunity for the voices of the present and the future. The event is organized by the *Noi per Napoli* Artistic-Cultural Association (APS) and the *La Magica* Cultural Association of Formia—presided over by Dr. Augusto Ciccolella—which promotes the *Remigio Paone – La Caravella* Prize.
Artistic direction is entrusted to soprano Olga De Maio and tenor Luca Lupoli, both of whom will also serve on the judging panel.
The jury will be chaired by the internationally renowned tenor Fabio Armiliato.
The panel also includes *Cavaliere* Davide Labòllita, an opera agent (Music Art New Imagine) and consultant for the Varna Opera House (Bulgaria).
The competition is open to opera singers of all nationalities with no general age limit, across the following voice categories: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass.
Candidates will present a repertoire drawn from opera spanning the 18th to the 20th centuries.
Alongside the operatic repertoire, there is an optional section dedicated to Classic Neapolitan Song; this reflects the organizers’ commitment to showcasing new voices while simultaneously preserving and promoting a musical heritage of extraordinary historical and cultural significance.
Special attention will be paid to young performers through specific awards, including the “Young Emerging Talent” Special Prize and the “Remigio Paone – Talent of the Future” Prize.
The selection process begins with a video pre-screening; applications must be submitted by December 8, 2026. Qualifying rounds and semi-finals for selected candidates will take place in Formia on December 18.
On December 19, during the official gala evening of the 10th *Remigio Paone – La Caravella* Prize, the winners will be announced and awarded, featuring performances by the top three finalists. In addition to a diploma and a plaque, the top three finishers will be awarded opportunities to perform in scheduled concerts and receive other benefits, with the aim of making the Competition not merely an evaluation event, but a tangible opportunity for artistic promotion.
Information, regulations, and participation
Full details regarding the Competition, the official regulations, and participation procedures are available on the official website:
www.concorsoremigiopaone.it
Official website of the International Opera Singing Competition
https://wwwconcorsoremigiopaone.it
