Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja has won the Readers’ Award in the prestigious second annual International Opera Awards.

The 36-year-old triumphed over first-rate competition. He was up against Polish tenor Piotr Beczala, American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, American soprano Renée Fleming, Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel.

The awards recognise the achievements of all the performers, producers and teams that work in opera. The winner was selected through a public vote.

I thank everyone involved for helping keep opera alive

When contacted, Mr Calleja said he was overjoyed at receiving the award. “When I saw the list of my fellow colleagues who were nominated for this award I of course felt privileged to be in such great and esteemed company.

“I thank everyone involved in this ‘operatic Oscar’ event for helping keep opera alive and kicking and a huge thank you to all of those who took time to vote.”

The categories were judged by an independent panel of industry experts and presented last night at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Joseph Calleja beat stiff competition to win the award, which was voted for by the public. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiJoseph Calleja beat stiff competition to win the award, which was voted for by the public. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
 

Organisers Classic FM said that the Readers’ Award was hotly contested, pitting some of the opera world’s biggest stars against each other.

Mr Calleja was unable to attend last night’s ceremony because he is currently starring in the Royal Opera House’s revival of Faust.

The Maltese tenor sings the role of Gounod’s eponymous philosopher who makes a deal with the devil for the pleasures of youth.

Sonya Yoncheva is his Marguerite, Simon Keenlyside plays her brother, Valentin, and Bryn Terfel sings Méphistophélès.

As part of his appearances in Faust, Mr Calleja will today participate in a sold-out talk at the ROH’s Clore Studio in the latest instalment of the company’s Insights series. ​

The International Opera Awards were first held last year where the winner of the Readers’ Award category was German operatic tenor Jonas Kauffman.

Last year’s inaugural awards were a success, having hosted 700 guests in April 2013 and raising €48,000 for The Opera Awards Foundation.

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