The ninth international competition Madame Butterfly will take place between September 16 and 23 in Chisinau. The Government approved the regulations concerning the organisation and holding of the international opera competition on Wednesday, May 23. The contest is one of the most important events organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Union of Musicians under the patronage of the Government. The contest performances will take place at the National Opera House, the National Palace and the Organ Hall. According to the regulations, the objectives of the competition are to promote the classical and contemporary opera, to mutually enrich the culture of different peoples and to strengthen the relations of friendship and cooperation between them. Professional singers and students aged between 17 and 37, who graduated from or are studying at a higher musical education institution, can take part in the contest. The deadline for applications is May 30. The participation fee is $200. Nine persons will sit on a jury and will be paid 14,500 lei each. There will be awarded the following prizes: a Grand Prix of $15,000, the first, second and third prizes of $10,000, $7,000 and, respectively, $5,000, and four honorable mentions of $2,500 each.