Now firmly established as a global event, categories include recordings as well as live performances, chosen by a jury covering around 300 cities.
Polish tenor Piotr Beczala won the male singer of the year award for his work during 2017-2018.
Swedish soprano Malin Byström, recently an acclaimed Salomé in the Royal Opera production, was female singer of the year. Young Singer of the Year title went to Canadian mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta, for roles including Angelina in La Cenerentola at Opera North.
On the evidence so far, I predict we will hear a lot more of this rising star.
One of the most popular awards was for Lifetime Achievement, won by the great Spanish mezzo Teresa Berganza, while Opera Magazine Readers’ Award went to soprano Pretty Yende, born in rural South Africa and at 33 taking starring roles at international opera houses.
For the full list of awards go to operaawards.org
