Nombulelo Yende from the Republic of South Africa received First Prize in the female voice category, alongside the prize for the best interpretation of a Moniuszko composition, the audience award and the Maria Fołtyn Memorial Prize.
No First Prize has been awarded in the male voice category, with Polish baritone Szymon Mechliński and Ukrainian bass Volodymyr Tyshkov sharing Second Prize.
An international jury, chaired by John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine, announced its verdict shortly before midnight on Saturday, after the final stage of the event at Warsaw’s National Opera.
Launched in 1992 and held every three years, the competition is dedicated to Stanisław Moniuszko, popularly known as “the father of Polish national opera”. It was founded by the late Polish soprano and opera director Maria Fołtyn, who did a great deal to promote Moniuszko’s operas on the international scene.
This year’s event coincided with the 150th anniversary of Moniuszko’s death. It was entered by 97 singers from 28 countries, who had been selected from amongst more than 400 applicants.
In addition to the operas The Haunted Manor, Halka, The Raftsman, The Countess, and Verbum Nobile, Moniuszko’s output comprises over 250 songs, mass cycles, cantatas, and chamber compositions.
(mk/pjm/pm)