Oper Frankfurt has won the „International Opera Award“ as best „Opera Company“ yesterday in London.
“The Operas” – as the prizes will be known in future – were brought into being by John Allison, editor of the renowned English opera magazine “Opera”, and British buisinessmanHarry Hyman, Managing Director of the international Nexus Group company. Hyman is an extremely knowledgeable opera lover: “Opera hides its light too often under a bushel. We hope that our awards will help bring the genre to a wider public.” Hyman is also passionate about encouraging young talent and helping to find sponsors to support artistic events and the arts in general.
John Allison’s appeal in his Editorial of the November edition of “Opera” resulted in c.1500 entries from 41 countries from journalists specialising in music – and not only correspondents from “Opera”’s stable – and passionate opera goers. From these a jury, chaired by Allison, drew up short lists in 23 categories. The jury includes well known personalities in the world of opera, including journalists and authors Hugh Canning, Rupert Christiansen and Andrew Clements, soprano Dame Anne Evans, Intendant Peter Alward (Salzburg Easter Festival), David Gockley (San Francisco), Joan Matabosch (Liceu Barcelona), Guus Mostart (Reisopera Enschede) and Nicholas Payne (Director of Opera Europa). Joining the jury for the final round will be Kathryn Harries, Director of the National Opera Studio in London, and author Barry Millington.
The 23 categories in which “The Operas” were awarded include, alongside „Opera Company“, “Conductor”, “Orchestra”, “Female Singer”, “Male Singer”, “Chorus”, “Stage Designer”, “Costume Designer”, “Lighting Designer”, “New Production”, “World Premiere”, “Rediscovery”, “Up and Coming Singer” “CD”, “DVD” etc. Unusual and new in such awards is the category of “Philanthropist / Sponsor”, in which business are nominated who support opera houses as Patrons – a cause that matters a lot to Nexus Chief Hyman. There is also “Liftetime Achievement Award” and a “Reader’s Award”.
More information can be found in the attachement and here www.operaawards.org.