The ninth edition of the “Giovan Battista Velluti” Opera Competition was won by a Korean singer: Akyeong Lee, the elegant mezzo whose brilliant interpretation convinced the jury of experts.
Second place was won by Greek soprano Sofia Mitropoulos who, despite her young age, has already established a name for herself in the opera world, a fact that is affirmed by her many performance engagements.
Third place winner was Korean bass Jin Sok Lee, who has a great future before him.

The scholarships offered by the Associazione Artigiani – Piccola Impresa “Città della Riviera” (the association that organized the event), the APT local tourist board, the Banca del Veneziano and the Fondazione Carive were assigned to Italian soprano Rossana Cardia (the youngest singer of the 50 participants), to Korean bass Jun Han Jeon, to Korean baritone Kyumg – Jong Park and to Korean tenor Sung Ho Cha.

“It is rare to find so many beautiful voices in a voice competition,” said renowned soprano Magda Olivero, jury president. “Our task was anything but easy, but we are happy to have witnessed the debut of the opera stars of tomorrow.”

Besides Miss Olivero, judging these promising young singers in the splendid setting of the Brenta Riviera were Alessandro Bonelli (Artistic Director, San Carlo Opera House in Naples), Margherita Guglielmi (famous singer and voice teacher), Sherman Lowe (voice teacher), Giovanna Maresta (stage director, actress and teacher) and Neil Funkauser (international artists manager).

The Gala Concert with the Adria Orchestra directed by Maestro Dario Bisso, Artistic Director of the “Giovan Battista Velluti” Opera Competition, will take place Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m. at the Expo – Art tent-theater set up in Piazza Mercato in Dolo. Free admission.