BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019: Prize Presentations & A Tribute to Dmitri Hvorostovsky

The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019 reached its grand conclusion with a night of extraordinary performances and deeply meaningful prize presentations. The prestigious competition, known for launching the careers of some of the world’s finest opera singers, honored its winners in an emotional ceremony that included a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Dmitri Hvorostovsky.

Richard Bonynge Honors Hvorostovsky with Audience Prize Presentation

Renowned Australian conductor Richard Bonynge took to the stage to pay tribute to Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the legendary Russian baritone and past Cardiff Singer of the World champion, who passed away in 2017. In his honor, the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize—voted for by the public—was awarded to Katie Bray, a 32-year-old mezzo-soprano from England.

Bray, who captivated audiences throughout the competition with her warm vocal timbre, expressive artistry, and commanding stage presence, was visibly moved by the recognition. Winning this award, especially one tied to Hvorostovsky’s legacy, carried profound significance for both her and the audience who had been enchanted by her performances.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Presents the Main Prize to Andrei Kymach

The competition’s highest honor, the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Main Prize, was presented by the iconic Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Andrei Kymach, a 31-year-old baritone from Ukraine. Kymach’s powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and refined musicality made him a standout from the very beginning of the competition, and his victory was met with resounding applause from the audience at St. David’s Hall.

Kymach’s win adds his name to a prestigious list of past winners, including Hvorostovsky himself, Anja Harteros, and Jamie Barton—singers who went on to international stardom following their triumphs at Cardiff.

A Night to Remember

The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019 final was a celebration of opera’s future and its legacy, bringing together talent, tradition, and a shared love of the art form. The tribute to Hvorostovsky was a poignant reminder of how much he meant to the opera world, while Kymach and Bray’s victories showcased the bright future of classical singing.

With such remarkable performances and meaningful tributes, the 2019 competition cemented its place as one of the most memorable editions in recent history.