Russian, 21, wins Belvedere
mainThe Hans Gabor Belvedere international singing competition – one of the more useful contests – was won last night in Villach, Austria, by the veryy young Valeriia Savinskaia from Russia.
Aside from a cash prize, she receives a prompt engagement at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.
Second was Boikhutso Owen Metsileng of South Africa. Third was Slávka Zámečníková of Slovakia.
I can’t believe such eminent jurors awarded Valeriia First Prize. There were numerous more worthy winners. And for the 136 final rounds singers who did not get to the final, it was NOT a very useful competition. I attended as a registered observer and was not impressed with the way the singers were treated. No masterclasses or any other events were organised for all those who had qualified to enter the final rounds in Villach – the ultimate insult was to ask those unlucky 136 to pay EU12 to “support” their colleagues in the final. I could say a lot more!