Finale Viva Classic Vocal Contest

During the festive finale of the Viva Classic Vocal Contest 2026, five promising young singers present themselves to the audience and professional jury at Domani, the former monastery chapel in the center of Venlo. The special atmosphere and excellent acoustics make this historic location a beloved place for classical music.

The finalists are:


Ruslana Danchenko (soprano, Detmold)
Rita Rolo Morais (soprano, Cologne)
Vladyslav Shkarupilo (countertenor, Essen)
Dorine Doneux (mezzo-soprano, Waremme/Maastricht)
Anastasia Patsakidou (coloratura soprano, Aachen)


The candidates each perform two pieces, ranging from popular opera arias to classical song repertoire. The concert is performed with the New Symphonics Orchestra under the direction of Italian conductor Federico Santi.

The professional jury consists of:


Sef Thissen – baritone and founder of Viva Classic Live
Barbara Haveman – soprano and vocal coach
Marwin Wendt – artistic director of Deutsche Oper am Rhein.


The audience also has a voice and determines who receives the audience award. The winner of the competition receives the prestigious Willy Caron Award and performs during Viva Classic Live at the Park 2026.

VCVC2026 is an initiative of the Viva Classic Live Foundation and is part of the cross-border program RESONANZ, in which young creators from the Netherlands and Germany – from hip-hop to opera – collaborate, develop, and reach new audiences.

RESONANZ is made possible in part by the Interreg VI-A program Germany-Netherlands, co-financed by the European Union, the Province of Limburg, and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Read more about the finalists 

Ruslana Danchenko (soprano, Detmold)
The Ukrainian soprano Ruslana Danchenko (2000) studies Opera and Concert Singing at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold. She has already built an impressive stage experience with roles in operas by Mozart, Beethoven, and Pergolesi. Additionally, she performed as a soloist in major choral and orchestral works, including Haydn's Die Schöpfung. Ruslana combines a strong technical foundation with great expressive power. For her, music is about connection and creating emotional worlds for her audience.

Rita Rolo Morais (soprano, Cologne)
The Portuguese soprano Rita Rolo Morais (2000) recently made an impression with leading roles in productions in Aachen and Cologne. After her master's degree in Opera at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, she is currently further specializing in song art in Hamburg. Besides opera, she is a passionate song singer and regularly performs at chamber music and festival concerts. Rita is supported by various prestigious music funds and has developed into a versatile young artist in recent years. Her warm stage personality and musical refinement characterize her performances.

Vladyslav Shkarupilo (countertenor, Essen)
Vladyslav Shkarupilo (2000) is a Ukrainian countertenor studying at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. Since coming to Germany, he has participated in opera productions and festivals, including the Ruhrtriennale and the Stuttgart State Opera. He took part in international competitions such as Neue Stimmen and the Farinelli Competition. With his unique voice type and broad repertoire, he effortlessly navigates between baroque, romantic, and contemporary music. For Vladyslav, singing is not only about technique but also about sharing stories, creating connections, and growing through artistic encounters.

Dorine Doneux (mezzo-soprano, Waremme / Maastricht)
The Belgian-Limburg mezzo-soprano Dorine Doneux (2003) belongs to a new generation of promising opera talents. She won the first prize at the Bell'Arte International Competition in 2024 and is part of training programs at De Munt in Brussels and the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. At a young age, she already portrayed roles such as Carmen, Ragonde, and Prince Orlofsky. Dorine combines a striking stage presence with natural musicality. After a previous participation in the competition, she returns with even more experience and ambition.

Anastasia Patsakidou (coloratura soprano, Aachen)
The Greek coloratura soprano Anastasia Patsakidou (1996) studies musical theater at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln in Aachen. In January 2026, she debuted as the Queen of the Night in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte at Theater Aachen. Previously, she sang leading roles in operas by Donizetti, Montsalvatge, and new Greek creations. Her repertoire requires great virtuosity, flexibility, and theatrical conviction. Anastasia feels a strong connection with North Rhine-Westphalia and is steadily building a professional opera career there.