Athens Dazzles with 2025 International Opera Awards

The 12th International Opera Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious events honouring excellence in opera, were held on Thursday evening at the Greek National Opera (Εθνική Λυρική Σκηνή) in Athens. The glittering ceremony brought together leading artists, composers, and directors from across the globe to celebrate the vitality and timeless appeal of the operatic art form.

This year’s winners were selected from over 14,000 nominations spanning 25 countries. Among the evening’s most moving moments was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary Greek mezzo-soprano Agni Baltsa, recognising her extraordinary contribution to opera over a career spanning more than five decades.

Receiving the award to a standing ovation, Baltsa expressed deep gratitude for being honoured in her homeland, paying tribute to two figures who shaped her life — Christos Lambrakis and Herbert von Karajan. “I feel thankful for everything my life has given me,” she said, recalling her collaborations with major opera houses including the Vienna State Opera, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Greek National Opera Showcases Cultural Legacy

The ceremony paid special homage to Greek classical music, with the orchestra, chorus, ballet, and soloists of the Greek National Opera performing works by Spyridon Samaras, Pavlos Carrer, Theofrastos Sakellaridis, Nikos Skalkottas, Mikis Theodorakis, and Giorgos Koumendakis under the direction of Konstantinos Terzakis. Artistic direction and staging were by Ballet Director Konstantinos Rigos with Stage Director Katerina Petsatodi.

The event also featured performances by soprano Marina Rebeka, winner of the Readers’ Award, and bass-baritone Nicholas Brownlee, who received the Male Singer of the Year Award. Their renditions of Puccini arias from Madama Butterfly and Tosca drew thunderous applause from the audience.

Global Recognition and Cultural Diplomacy

“Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of artists and institutions whose creativity, excellence, and collaboration define opera worldwide,” said Harry Hyman, founder of the International Opera Awards. Greek National Opera’s Artistic Director Giorgos Koumendakis hailed the event as “a milestone of international significance” that connects Athens to the global opera community.

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni described the event as “further proof of the Greek National Opera’s international stature,” calling it “a symbol of extroversion and creative leadership in contemporary Greek culture.” Mendoni presented the Opera Company of the Year Award to Vienna’s MusikTheater an der Wien, recognising its bold post-renovation programming spanning four centuries of musical theatre.

Highlights of the 2025 International Opera Awards

This year’s awards reflected a dynamic and diverse operatic landscape. American institutions and artists featured prominently, including the Dallas Opera’s Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors, which received the Equal Opportunities and Impact Award, and patron C. Graham Berwind III, honoured with the Philanthropy Award.

Other major winners included:

• Asmik Grigorian – Female Singer of the Year

• Alain Altinoglu – Conductor of the Year

• Claus Guth – Director of the Year for Salome (Metropolitan Opera, New York)

• Paolo Fantin – Designer of the Year for Il nome della rosa (La Scala)

• Teatro Real, Madrid – Sustainability Award for its solar-powered opera house

• Royal Opera House, London – World Premiere Award for Festen by Mark-Anthony Turnage

• Janáček Festival Brno – Festival of the Year

• Rising Star Award – Hugh Cutting and Adèle Charvet

Awards Inspired by Greek Heritage

Reflecting Greece’s hosting role, the award statuettes were inspired by Cycladic art — marble figures in the shape of a violin — produced in collaboration with the Museum of Cycladic Art. John Allison, editor of Opera magazine and chair of the judging panel, remarked, “Greek mythology was one of the founding pillars of opera, and celebrating the art form here in Athens — with modern Greek works — is profoundly fitting.”

Full List of Key Winners:

• Conductor of the Year: Alain Altinoglu

• Designer of the Year: Paolo Fantin

• Director of the Year: Claus Guth

• Female Singer of the Year: Asmik Grigorian

• Male Singer of the Year: Nicholas Brownlee

• Opera Company of the Year: MusikTheater an der Wien

• Festival of the Year: Janáček Festival Brno

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Agni Baltsa