Is this Pole the next Liza Connell?
mainThe international soprano Elizabeth Connell, who died far too soon, left a legacy to help rising dramatic sopranos.
The first winner is Anna Patrys, 33, from Poland.
The prize is worth A$20,000.
Anna, pictured with jury chair Richard Bonynge
press release:
INAUGURAL ELIZABETH CONNELL PRIZE
Held in conjunction with last night’s Bel Canto Award, the $20,000 inaugural “Elizabeth Connell Prize” was won by the 33-year old soprano from Poland, Anna Patrys. Open to the sopranos of the world the Elizabeth Connell Prize comes from a legacy left by the great South African dramatic soprano, Elizabeth Connell to help assist aspiring dramatic sopranos.
50 sopranos from 17 countries entered this year’s competition. 5 were invited to compete in Sydney at last night’s Finals Concert. The second prize went to British/Australian soprano Justine Viani (32) who’s family live on Sydney’s north coast. Justine was born in Australia but grew up in the UK and now lives in Cardiff Wales. The other finalist were Tracy Cox and Diane Kalinowski from the USA and Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon from Sydney.
Judges for both competitions were: Maestro Richard Bonynge AC CBE, soprano Marilyn Richardson, mezzo sopranos Bernadette Cullen and Fiona Janes and former Opera Australia Artistic Director, Moffatt Oxenbould AM.
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