Adolfo Corrado, an Italian singer, has been declared the winner of the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2023 competition. The 29-year-old emerged victorious after a 10-day competition, where 16 singers showcased their talent in the realm of classical music. This event holds significant importance in the classical music calendar.
Notably, soprano Jessica Robinson from Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, became the first Welsh singer to reach the finals in two decades. Since its inception in 1983, the competition has featured singers performing a wide range of classical and contemporary songs.
Upon receiving the title, Adolfo Corrado expressed his elation and heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the tremendous support he received from the audience, which greatly enhanced his performance. He described the victory as a dream come true.
The five finalists who competed for the prestigious title included Welsh soprano Jessica Robinson, Scottish mezzo Beth Taylor, South African soprano Nombulelo Yende, Italian bass Adolfo Corrado, and South African mezzo Siphokazi Molteno. David Jackson, the artistic director of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, stated that the competition, after 40 years, continues to mesmerize audiences with its exceptional and world-class performances.
The judging panel, comprised of highly respected figures from the classical music world, faced the challenging task of selecting a winner from the pool of extraordinary talent. Ultimately, they declared Adolfo as the winner of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2023.
As the recipient of this prestigious title, Adolfo Corrado will receive a prize package that includes a significant cash award and numerous performance opportunities with renowned orchestras and opera companies worldwide. Additionally, Julieth Lozano Rolong, a 31-year-old singer from Colombia, was crowned the winner of the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Audience Prize.
Finally, the Song Prize for this year's competition was awarded to 32-year-old South Korean tenor, Sungho Kim, which was announced on Thursday.
