Soprano Sonya Yoncheva has signed to Sony Classical, in what is described as an ‘exclusive long-term agreement’. The announcement follows other recent signings by the label, including of tenor Jonas Kaufmann and organist Cameron Carpenter in June. 

The Bulgarian singer, born in 1981, first gained prominence when she took first prize in the 2010 edition of Plácido Domingo’s prestigious Operalia competition, something she described as ‘The biggest dream of opera singers today’. 

Other career milestones included being invited by William Christie to join his academy for young singers, Jardin de la Voix in 2007, and her 2012 debut at the Salle Pleyel in Offenbach’s Contes d’Hoffmann, with Les Musiciens du Louvre conducted by Marc Minkowski. Recordings include a DVD of Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea on Virgin Classics (reviewed in August 2013).

‘Recorded music was always especially important for me’, said Yoncheva. ‘In the cold and poor Bulgaria of my childhood, recordings, be they from Queen or Pink Floyd or Maria Callas, were my most important window to the world, to all the dreams. I feel so honoured to now join Sony Classical, the strongest and most faithful family for musicians. It's the beginning of an exciting adventure, which I know will be full of beautiful and true music.’

Her first album for the label, due for release in autumn 2014, will be an homage to the ‘Belle Époque’ era, drawing on repertoire from 19th century Paris. 

Earlier this year she took part in the Concert de France held in front of the Eiffel Tower: you can watch a clip below.