Italian wins low-key BBC Cardiff
OperaBBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2023 was won last night by the Italian bass Adolfo Corrado, 29.
The audience prize went to Julieth Lozano Rolong, 31 from Colombia.
The song prize, declared last week, was won by the South Korean tenor, Sungho Kim, 32.
There was not much to choose between a highly qualified set of finalists and UK media coverage was minimal.
After 40 years of the same format, the BBC needs to rethink promotion and presentation.
Corrado is managed by StageDoor.it in Bologna.
The final round will be streamed internationally from tomorrow on Operavision.
Yes , it is a shame that the promotion and coverage for the 40th year was not stronger. Like many contests it has evolved greatly from a time when most contestants were newly graduated to a time when many have already won and undertaken contracts with prestigious organisations.
Congratulations to Adolfo Corrado. I am sure we will hear from these singers again. There were some very special moments which touched the heart or brought a smile. Great work all concerned.
Was this the first time the DG was there to announce the winner? Mr Davie seemed rightly nervous about what he said to the world following recent music cuts and was clearly uncomfortable at public speaking – almost embarrassing for a DG of this hapless broadcasting company…
Somebody needs to speak to Petroc about his tie being off centre and we can do without the gushing drawl that comes from Ms D’Arby..
Such a travesty the brilliant BBCNOW wasn’t thanked on camera…maybe that was deliberate and they are for the chop next?
Don’t even think of it! Since my daughter went to study then subsequently live in Cardiff I’ve become a great admirer of this wonderful orchestra. Long may it continue and prosper. More worrying is the future of St David’s Hall – a very fine auditorium, architecturally and acoustically – in danger of being permanently devastated by a greedy and philistine Cardiff Council, who want to turn it into a pop venue (of which there are already sufficient in Cardiff), wrecking the acoustics, and with only a patronizing nod to classical music performances (yet they are still pleased to call it ‘the National Concert Hall of Wales’!).
I must say I was rather surprised by Adolfo’s victory as, I suspect, were many others in the hall or watching on TV. He has a lovely & sonorous voice (perfect for Buffa roles of which I’m sure he’ll be in great demand everywhere) in addition to a winning stage presence (he trained as an actor in Italy) & nice looking to boot. But the best singer in this year’s contest? I think not. Siphokazi Molteno was surely the outstanding contestant by a country mile- with stunning performances of Rossini & Strauss in the final. Honourable mention should go also to Jessica Robinson, despite being the most inexperienced of the finalists- probably the one with the most potential at the end of the day. The jury this time also struck me as rather light weight- for example Errollyn Warren- whom we were constantly reminded- has written a ‘staggering 20 operas’. Staggering in what regard we should ask ourselves? Maybe they decided to go for the token bloke in an all female final- but like with the concurrent Tchaikovsky piano contest- the jury room is probably full of machinations & political considerations which often results in a compromise top prize winner. For this reason alone, competitions are probably hardly worth the effort nowadays- although they do provide some platform for young talent & provide opportunities which are scant elsewhere.
I agree with this completely. Wrong result. Siphokazi Molteno was in a different league.
The good thing is that Siphokazi Molteno will be taking roles in La Traviata and Carmelites at The Met next season. She seems to have plenty of engagements ahead and has the trophy for the round she won, so she is not leaving the contest empty handed.
I did wonder if the order of pieces influenced the decision? The Massenet Werther is certainly a tragic piece for an opening even if she has the sense of drama to succeed with it. Perhaps Strauss , Massenet , Rossini might have worked even better.
Anyway , Adolfo Corrado will certainly have a very good career. Well done to him!
I have the greatest respect for Rosemary Joshua and Barnada Fink on the Jury. Professionals with solid techniques and long , varied careers behind them.
So why were you not on the panel then?
Listening to the applause for each finalist, it was obvious that the winner, an Italian man, did not receive anything like the reception given to other contestants, all of whom were women. Such are our times.
Winner was mediocre at best. What has actually happened to our industry? The quality is down all around, as much as it pains me to say it.