Korean Tenor Takes Top Prize at International Singing Competition
The Éva Marton International Singing Competition of 2024, organized by the Liszt Academy, concluded on Sunday evening at the Hungarian State Opera with the performances of the twelve finalists, the ceremonial presentation of prizes, and the announcement of special awards.
The live rounds of the competition began on Monday with 56 contestants, sponsored by MOL – New Europe Foundation and the National Cultural Fund of Hungary. The event featured prizes totaling more than 75,000 euros.
During the gala concert, Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation and the competition’s patron, emphasized the career opportunities the competition provides for participants. He highlighted the importance of classical culture in creating value and recognized legendary opera singer Éva Marton’s lasting impact on the international opera stage.
Éva Marton herself praised the competition’s consistent quality over the past decade, noting the exceptional talent of this year’s participants. She expressed gratitude to the Hungarian State Opera for hosting the gala and the Liszt Academy for organizing the event, emphasizing Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.
The competition’s top prizes were awarded to Korean tenor Park Jihoon (30,000 euros), Romanian baritone Mihai Damian (20,000 euros), and Chinese mezzo-soprano Wu Hongni (10,000 euros). Special awards included a 10,000 euro prize from Éva Marton to Russian soprano Alexandra Zotova, and the audience prize to Korean soprano Yeo Yeeun.
Additional special prizes were announced, including invitations to perform at prestigious venues and attend master classes. Participants such as Zoe Hippius, Elizaveta Kulagina, and Shannon Keegan received recognition and opportunities for future engagements.
The competition showcased exceptional talent and celebrated the enduring legacy of classical music. The event highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging artists and promoting cultural excellence on a global scale.
