BBC Cardiff Singer of the World celebrates its 40th anniversary. The prestigious international competition has launched the careers of a host of leading opera stars, including Karita Mattila, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bryn Terfel and Jamie Barton.

Sixteen of the world’s most promising young performers were selected to compete in the Welsh capital for this most coveted of titles. Performing in the first of four rounds are singers from South Korea, Canada, England and South Africa, who will need to impress this year’s expert panel of judges if they are to progress through to the final.

The judges are Sir Brian McMaster, former director of the Edinburgh International Festival, Argentinian mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink, Welsh soprano Rosemary Joshua, composer Errollyn Wallen, and returning as chair of the jury, Aidan Lang, general director of Welsh National Opera.

Petroc Trelawny and Josie d’Arby host at St David’s Hall, and their guest for this first round is acclaimed New Zealand-born Samoan bass Jonathan Lemalu.

Featuring music by Mozart, Puccini, Handel and Bellini, the singers perform with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra conducted by Michael Christie. Show less