On November 2, 2025, 17-year-old tenor Door Van Bergen won the 8th Concours Opéra Jeunes Espoirs Raymond Duffaut in the Jeune Espoir category (16–18 years) at the Opéra Grand Avignon (France). The competition is recognized as a prestigious springboard for young singers.
The final took place in Avignon's historic opera house. The competition awards winners in three age categories and is this year sponsored by conductor and producer Yvan Cassar. The total prize pool amounts to €17,400, with a Grand Prix Jeune Espoir of €2,000. Door Van Bergen was awarded this prize by the Opéra Grand Avignon.
"This is an incredible boost. I'm grateful for the opportunities and feedback I received here and I look forward to growing further in opera," says Door Van Bergen.
"Door combines a natural voice with exceptional technical discipline and musicality. This recognition from Avignon confirms his potential," says Teun Michiels, his voice teacher.
About Door Van Bergen
Door Van Bergen (b. 2007, Westerlo) is a Belgian tenor. He is coached by tenor and pedagogue Teun Michiels (Voice.Academy) and studies opera with Natacha Kowalski (Conservatoire Royal de Liège). He has performed with ensembles including the Tínel Ensemble, Brussels Choral Society, the Kapel van de Miniemen, and the Octopus Chamber Choir. He attended a masterclass with Janice Chapman (London) and is a finalist for Young Belgian Talent 2025. The final takes place on November 15 at Flagey (Brussels). Recently, he recorded Vaughan Williams' On Wenlock Edge at Motor Music Studios (Mechelen) and has sung works by Poulenc and Schubert. The Flemish government recognized Door under the elite artist status program.About the Concours Opéra Jeunes Espoirs Raymond Duffaut (Avignon)The competition organized by Opéra Grand Avignon is a public event with an international jury and three categories (Jeune Espoir 16–18, Jeune Talent 19–22, Révélation 23–26). The semi-final (Nov. 1) and final (Nov. 2) are open public rounds at the opera house. The 2025 edition has 91 contestants and is sponsored by Yvan Cassar.
Door Van Bergen at the 8th Concours Opéra Jeunes Espoirs Raymond Duffaut
Opéra Grand Avignon (France)
