Liz Mohn

President of NEUE STIMMEN

As the great French writer, Victor Hugo, once said, "music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." In keeping with this apprehension of music, the NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition sets out to be not only a springboard for both national and international operatic careers, but also a platform for communication and understanding. Music is a fundamental aspect of what makes us all human. Music is the one language we all share and which, by transcending all national and ethnic boundaries, binds us together irrespective of culture and origin.

It is therefore with great joy and pride that I have been looking back on the years to have elapsed since this competition was first initiated. What began in 1987 as a European singing contest has now become a veritable "Singers' Olympics".

And it is with just as much eager anticipation that I am looking forward to the 2009 competition - this will be the 13th time we offer a great chance to young opera singers for showing what they are capable of to adjudicators of international renown. Not only that, but thanks to the presence of agents and scouts for some of the world's major opera houses, the competition will also provide contestants with countless opportunities to make new contacts as well.

I would like to wish all those who will be involved in the next competition many delightful hours of music-making and naturally wish all the singers entering the contest the very best of luck. I would also like to urge you to seize this opportunity of drawing attention to your unique talent. I for one can hardly wait to hear you sing!

Liz Mohn