American Nadine wins Irish opera prize

THE seventh Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition for young operatic talent finished triumphantly on Thursday night.

The culmination of an exhausting week for the competitors was pure delight for the opera buffs who packed the National Concert Hall to see Nadine Sierra, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, awarded top place.

Founded in 1995 to honour the work of Ireland’s grande dame of opera, Dr Veronica Dunne, the triennial event attracts international competitors hoping to make their names. “It was winning just such a competition in Milan, in my own young days, that helped me to get as far as I did,” says Dunne, “and, now, it is wonderful to be part of something that gives today’s upcoming singers the same opportunity.”

This year, there were 150 entries from 34 countries — a 50% increase — reflecting the high regard for this competition. Each participant had to sing before judges in four rounds: preliminary, quarter-final, semi-final, and final. At each stage, the number was whittled down until the final on Thursday night.

Sierra, 24, received the coveted title, and enviable opportunities in international performance. “I am extremely honoured,” said Sierra, “not just for winning the prize, but getting to share the stage with so many wonderful and amazing singers.”

The following morning, Nadine was on her way back across the Atlantic, to sing Mozart with the San Francisco Symphony.

Second prize in the competition went to 29-year-old tenor, Stephen Chambers, from New Zealand, who also won the Anthony Kearns prize for the best male singer, and the Handel prize. This last, in memory of William Young, was presented to Stephen by Young’s wife, Alison, for the best performance of a Handel aria. Third place was awarded to Korean baritone, Insu Hwang, who also won the Will Keune prize for the best Mozart aria.

Gemma Ni Bhriain, from Dublin, won fourth prize, as well as The Dame Joan Sutherland Prize for the most promising young singer. This was presented by international conductor and jury member, Sir Richard Bonynge, widower of Dame Joan Sutherland, who was a member of the jury for the inaugural competition in 1995. Ni Bhriain also received The Dermot Troy Prize for the best Irish singer. Ni Bhriain was bubbling with energy as the competition ended. “Amazing. Doesn’t feel like it’s over, it was amazing,” she said.

Fifth place was awarded to Polish baritone, Szymon Komasa, from Warsaw, who was also awarded the Wagnerian Society prize for the best male singer of Wagner’s work. “I feel great,” said Komasa. “Now, it’s back to London tomorrow, back to the Guildhall, back to study, practising and being a student.”

Soprano Aoife Miskelly, 30, of Belfast, won sixth prize. “I’m relieved it’s all over,” said Aoife, “but I’m simply delighted to have heard, and met, such wonderful singers in this competition.”