The superb Czech mezzo – aka Lady Rattle – continues to prove what a versatile artist she is: heart-rending in Mahler songs, languid and elegant in French repertoire and a superb Baroque stylist.

This year she tackles probably her most ambitious role to date, Carmen – and, in the company of her husband and his Berlin orchestra, it is sure to set a few sparks flying.

The fact that Kožená was Gramophone's Artist of the Year back in 2004 is as clear an indication as any of the consistent brilliance and great popularity of her recordings.

Read the review of her July 2012 Gramophone Recording of the Month, 'Love and Longing'.

Is Magdalena Kožená your favourite artist of 2012? Register your vote now at the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2012 voting page.