The tenor Francesc Viñas had always wanted to set up a non-profit organization to assist young singers at the start of their careers who were experiencing the same difficulties he had once known himself. His project was brought to fruition by Dr Jacint Vilardell, who set up the Tenor Viñas International Singing Contest in 1963. The Gran Teatre del Liceu associated itself directly with the contest, enlisting the cooperation of some of the world's leading opera houses. Over 13,500 contestants have taken part in the fifty-nine editions held to date, which have given many singers who have been, or still are, outstanding figures on the international opera scene a chance to make themselves known.

This year, as we celebrate the Contest's 60th anniversary, we are confident the outcome will be as positive as ever.