Italian bass, Adolfo Corrado has been announced as 2023 Cardiff Singer of the World. In last night’s final, celebrating 40 years of the competition at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, Corrado was one of four finalists for the main prize. His programme of arias included those from Le Nozze di Figaro, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and I Lombardi alla prima crociata, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ryan Bancroft.

Main Prize winner, Adolfo Corrardo | Picture: Kirsten McTernan

Finalists for the main prize alongside Corrado were Scottish mezzo Beth Taylor, South African soprano Nombulelo Yende, Welsh soprano Jessica Robinson, and South African mezzo Siphokazi Molteno, the jury comprising industry professionals Aidan Lang, Bernarda Fink, Errollyn Wallen, Rosemary Joshua, and Sir Brian McMaster.

Following the presentation of the award, Corrado said: ‘I’m full of joy and emotion. It was fantastic because on my journey the audience were incredibly powerful and I think they helped my performance. It’s a dream come true.’ He will receive a prize of £20,000, as well as numerous performance opportunities with leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide.

A biennial competition, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World has launched the careers of some of the biggest opera stars, including Karita Mattila, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sir Bryn Terfel, Anja Harteros, and mezzo Jamie Barton, who joined Petroc Trelawny and bass-baritone Neal Davies for last night’s final to commentate the evening’s proceedings.

The Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Audience Prize, named after the competition’s patron, was won by Colombian soprano Julieth Lozano Rolong and Song Prize by Korean tenor Sungho Kim, accompanied by Welsh pianist Llŷr Williams.