The competition is one of the largest international singing competitions in the world aimed at young singers on the brink of their professional careers. The adjudicators include casting and opera directors from the most prestigious opera houses around the world, and observers include agents and representatives from international opera and concert houses.
These directors and agents often award additional engagements to participants, whether they receive a position in the competition or not. Therefore, the competition serves as a springboard for young singers towards a career in opera.
Both Zintle and Asisipho are Vocal Art lecturer Thami Zungu’s singing students, and lecturers Ashan Peiris and Laetitia Orlandi acted as coaches and accompanists for them, respectively.