The 10th Leyla Gencer Voice Competition, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), Borusan Sanat and Accademia Teatro alla Scala concluded with the final gala and award ceremony at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall on Friday, 27 September 2024. HuanHong Li (bass, China) won the first prize, Nazlıcan Karakaş (soprano, Türkiye) came second and Maria Knihnytska (soprano, Ukraine) won the third prize.
Fernanda Allande (soprano, Mexico) won the Royal Opera House Jette Parker Young Artists Programme Special Award that entails a week-long coaching sessions at the Covent Garden. HuanHong Li (bass, China) won the Deutsche Oper Berlin Special Award that allows to take part in one of the opera’s productions, as well as the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra Special Award, that allows to perform with Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. The winner of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala Special Award, Nazlıcan Karakaş (soprano, Türkiye) will receive a three-month scholarship at the Accademia Teatro alla Scala. Karakaş was also presented with the Leyla Gencer Audience Award, determined by audience votes. Anna Imedashvili (soprano, Georgia) won the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre Special Award that allows the winner to take part in one of the opera’s productions. Jennifer Mariel Velasco (soprano, Mexico) was presented the Naples Teatro di San Carlo Special Award (Surprise Award).
