Arias in the throes of war: Ukrainian companies crowned at 'Opera Oscars'

Two Ukrainian opera houses received this year's Opera Oscar for their mellifluous cadenzas, virtuosic trills, and power cuts on the territory of Ukraine - allowing audiences, if not for hours, to escape the conflict outside.

The International Opera Awards ceremony in Madrid on Monday, 28 November recognized the "outstanding work" of the two opera theatres from Ukraine. They were awarded the Company of the Year prize.

"We came to cities where streets were dark, but our souls have light...Our music is now buzzing with generators everywhere," stated Oksana Taranenko stage director at Odesa National Opera as the Odesa National Opera representatives accepted the award to standing ovations.

After being forced to stop performances by Russia on 24 February, both theatres resumed productions. The jury praised their "courage, resilience and willingness to continue performing despite all the depredations and dangers that were unleashed by war".

Petroc Trelawny hosted Monday's event. This was the first time that the ceremony was held outside London. It also marked its return to live performances following pandemic disruptions.

The 19-century Teatro Real won the top award for entertainment last year. Its chorus and orchestra were joined by some of the best singers in the world to entertain spectators.

As a nod towards the host city, Mozart and Verdi were accompanied by music from Zarzuela (opera's Spanish cousin), a musical theatre form that was born in Madrid and combines elements of popular music with traditional dance.

The Opera Magazine Readers' Award was won by Pene Pati (pictured), a Samoan tenor. It was the first award decided by popular vote and not a jury.

Daniele Rustioni, an Italian cantatrice, was awarded the Conductor prize. Nardus Williams, a British cantatrice from Britain was named Rising Star. French soprano Sabine Devilleilhe and baritone Stephane degout won Male Singer and Female Singer.

Harry Hyman, a British philanthropist, founded the awards in 2012 to raise funds for Opera Bursaries.

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