The summer at AIMS ends with the Meistersinger Vocal Competition. Performed at Helmut-List-Halle on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the event features eight finalists (and two alternates) performing with the AIMS Festival Orchestra. The panel of judges includes singers, teachers, and agents. Cash prizes are awarded to all finalists and alternates. A special prize for Audience Favorite is awarded after an audience vote at the end of the evening.
The competition is open to all full-time AIMS participants. Finalists are announced after preliminary and semi-final rounds of judging. Registration for the Meistersinger is July 28, 2026. Registration fee is US $50 or Euro 40.
2025 Meistersinger Winner – Raúl Morales Velazco, Bass
2025 Meistersinger Finalists and Alternates at the Helmut-List-Halle
Photos: Gerald Hirl
Lieder Studio Awards
Lieder Studio full-time participants are eligible for the Harold Heiberg Liedersänger Preis and the Outstanding Lieder Collaborative Pianist Award. AIMS faculty members attending one Lieder concert presented by each Lieder studio may submit a vote for their favorite singer and collaborative pianist. These awards are presented at the Meistersinger Competition final concert.
2025 Harold Heiberg Liedersänger Preis Winner – Jessi Hope Rhinehart, Soprano
2025 Outstanding Lieder Collaborative Pianist Award Winner – Seongkyung Kim
Photos: Gerald Hirl
Presentation of the Lieder Awards at the Meistersinger Concert
Photo: Gerald Hirl
