Fondation de France/Conservatoire de Paris - Dauphin de Verna Award

Dauphin de Verna Award (Prix Marie Dauphin de Verna)

For your vocal studies at the Conservatoire de Paris (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris), you will receive a one-off cash prize. The exact amount is not disclosed. The prize-winners will also perform at an annual concert in Paris alongside prize-winners from other music foundations, in front of experts and a large audience. The prize is awarded by the Fondation Marie Dauphin de Verna, which was established in 1987 under the umbrella of the Fondation de France to support young talent in the fields of opera and classical singing.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You’re studying at the Conservatoire de Paris in France.
• Field: Her degree subject is ‘Art lyrique’, i.e. opera and classical singing.
• Study phase: You hold a ‘Diplôme d’Études Musicales’ (a music diploma from a French conservatoire) and have passed the entrance examination for the ‘Cycle de Perfectionnement’, the advanced training programme.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Talent: A panel of experts, chaired by the Director of the Conservatoire, will assess your singing.
• Financial need: The panel will also take your financial situation into account.

How to apply

There is no separate application process, and the Foundation does not accept direct applications. The jury selects the prize-winners from amongst the students who have passed the Conservatoire’s entrance examination for the advanced course of study.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded to only a very small number of applicants. You must already be an outstanding vocal student and have secured a place on the advanced training programme at a specific Parisian conservatoire, which means the pool of applicants is very small. Your main task is to gain admission to the ‘Cycle de perfectionnement’, as the scholarship is awarded as a result of this selection process. If you can reach this standard and demonstrate financial need, your prospects are good.