Young soprano Lucía Iglesias, the only Spanish participant in this year's Italian opera singing competition, has been awarded Second Prize and the Special Prize of the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova at the Grand Final held on 12 July in Camogli.
Now in its 32nd edition, the competition unfolded over three rounds: the preliminary round, the semi-final—featuring 19 selected contestants—and the final, in which 12 international singers competed. The First Prize in the women's category was awarded to Greta Buonamici (Italy), while Zhang Shengjie (China) won the men's category. Lucía Iglesias (Spain) received Second Prize, and Kim Jaehyeon (South Korea) was awarded Third Prize.
The jury, composed of leading industry professionals and representatives of several Italian opera houses, awarded Lucía Iglesias this Second Prize, which includes a €2,000 cash award, a concert engagement in an Italian city, and a role in the Spazio Musica season. In addition, the Special Prize of the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova grants the Galician soprano the opportunity to present an audition for the theatre's upcoming season.
"I am deeply grateful for this recognition in a competition with such a long-standing tradition. It is an honour to have been evaluated by a jury with such extensive experience, whose members cherish and uphold the tradition of Italian opera, and to receive the support of such prestigious theatres, especially the Teatro Carlo Felice, which has honoured me with this special prize," said the singer.
The 26-year-old soprano performed "Je veux vivre" from Roméo et Juliette by Gounod in the semi-final, and "Il mio ben sospiro e chiamo" from La scala di seta by Rossini in the final. Her success in the competition further confirms her command of the Italian and French repertoire, while underscoring her growing presence on the international opera scene.
Lucía Iglesias's stay in Genoa also coincides with her upcoming debut at the Teatro Sociale di Camogli, where she will perform the role of Despina in Così fan tutte for the first time on 30 and 31 July and 1 August, alongside an international cast.
