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.

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