The Queen Sonja International Music Competition was founded in 1988. Among the initiators was Mariss Jansons, former music director and principal conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. At the time, the Norwegian classical music scene was experiencing a period of increasing internationalization. The aim of the Competition was to create an international arena for music in Norway, which could present young musicians, give Norwegian soloists an opportunity to be assessed at an international level and attract greater international focus on the Norwegian classical music scene.
The first two competitions were organized for pianists. Marking the centenary of the birth of Norwegian soprano Kirsten Flagstad in 1995, the Competition has since then been arranged for singers. The Queen Sonja International Music Competition is a leading high-level voice competition, which now takes place every second year in Oslo with singers from all over the world. The goal of the Competition is to assist the career development of talented young singers. It also acts as a bridge builder between the Norwegian and international music scenes.
The Competition offers young artists a valuable kick-start to their careers. The Competition gives possibilities for exposure to an international jury of influential and highly acclaimed casting directors, opera directors and singers, masterclasses, considerable cash prizes, prizewinner concerts and other important concert engagements. Several previous participants can document a significant career development and international recognition following the Competition.
| Sections | Vocals |
| Deadline | 01 Apr 2019 |
| Finals | 13 - 23 Aug 2019 |
| Where | Oslo, Norway |
| Age groups | Everyone after 1 January 1987 |
