The final application date for the contest which will take place on May 9-10-11, 2006 is May 05, 2006.

Siemens, keeping its social responsibilities in foreground just as its business accountability, and believing in the importance of arts in society's development, gives out art awards to support young people and encourage the society for the arts. The preselection of the eighth Siemens Opera Contest is on the 9th of May. The semi-final and the final will take place on May 10th and 11th. The Semi-final and the final will be performed to the public and the announced winners will perform on May 12th, 2006 at an "award ceremony."

Siemens Art Award, granted since 1993, has started with the intentions to increase the youths' and the society's interest to the arts, and has become a tradition through intense attention and interest of art-lovers. Siemens Art Award, which was previously granted on art-design, photography, statue and short films are granted on "opera". The success of young Turkish people both from abroad and in country, has encouraged Siemens to continue in this branch. The name of Siemens Art Award which provided young artists an opportunuty to have their voices heard in different art fields, will be changed to Siemens Opera Contest since from now on the award will be on "opera".

The winner of the contest will be granted a one-year scholarship in Karlsruhe Opera and will receive German language grant at Goethe Institute Inter Nationes İstanbul for 4 months; the second place will be granted a summer school at Salzburg Mozarteum Music Academy for 6 weeks and will receive German language grant at Goethe Institute Inter Nationes İstanbul for 2 months; the third place will be granted 2000 Euros. The Selection Committee is composed of Dr. Yekta Kara Opera Director, Mete Uğur Opera State-Artist, Prof. Gerd Uecker General Art Director of Dresden Opera House, Achim Thorwald General Art Director of Karlsruhe Opera House and Özen İncecik from Siemens. All opera artists, with Turkish citizenship and who were born after January 1st, 1976 can participate in the contest.

The last application date being May 5th, 2006, you can reach all detailed information on this contest through www.siemens.com.tr web site.