The International Opera Awards were presented in a ceremony at London’s Savoy Theatre last night. Hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Petroc Trelawny, the night included performances by Ermonela Jaho, Ann Hallenberg and Gregory Kunde.
In total 20 categories were recognised, with prizes for everything from accessibility efforts and to rediscovering seldom performed works. Notable winners included Gianandrea Noseda for best conductor, Mariella Devia for best female singer, Kunde for best male singer, Laurent Pelly for best director, and Glyndebourne for best opera festival.
As well as celebrating the best productions, singers and companies from the last 12 months the awards also raise money for the Opera Awards Foundation – a trust which aims to help those at the start of their opera careers.
Two past winners also performed, with Stuart Skelton singing Wagner’s In Fernem Land from Lohengrin and Anna Bonitatibus singing Garcia’s Già il perfido discese…Al mio pregar t’arrendi from Semiramis. There was also a rendition of Rossini’s La Cenerentola by 2016 National Opera Studio Young Artists Kate Howden and William Morgan.
