Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja has won the Readers’ Award in the prestigious second annual International Opera Awards.
The 36-year-old triumphed over 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.
Mr Calleja was overjoyed: “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 award was organised by Classic FM.
More in Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.