A total of $175,000 in prize money will be awarded this year, including $30,000 each for the best male and female singers.

In addition to prize money, the winners and other outstanding entrants receive the benefit of Domingo's personal attention. "It is Plšcido Domingo's commitment to pave and support the career of any and all worthy contestants through further personal guidance, consideration, and recommendation," reads competition's web site.

Applications are due by April 15. Entrants must send recordings of two arias as well as written materials; they may also choose to include recordings of zarzuela, the Spanish opera form in which Domingo launched his career.

Previous winners include soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, tenor Rolando Villaz‹n, and soprano Elizabeth Futral.

For more information, visit www.operalia.org.