International Opera Awards

On Monday 19 May, the International Opera Awards Foundation welcomed Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, as the keynote speaker at its 2025 Gala Dinner, to celebrate and raise funds for emerging operatic talent.

The event, which was held at the prestigious Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the city brought together more than 200 distinguished guests from the world of opera and the arts, business and media including notable opera critic, Sir Nicholas Keynon and composer and singer, Sarah Class.

The Gala Dinner is a key event in the British opera calendar and is traditionally held around six months preceding the International Opera Awards ceremony, which this year will take place on 13 November in Athens. Co-hosed by BBC Radio 3 presenter, Petroc Trelawny, and former MP and Minister turned opera critic, Gerald Malone, the evening featured three exceptional performances by artists, Justina Gringytė, Simon Carter and Luvo Maranti.

All proceeds raised from the evening will directly support the International Opera Awards Bursary Programme. To date, through its annual Gala Dinner and wider fundraising activities, the Foundation has raised more than £610,000 to support emerging singers, directors, and conductors.

In his remarks, Minister Bryant spoke of the importance of opera and the arts to the UK, of celebrating excellence and supporting new talent, recognising that talent and opportunity have not always been evenly spread.

Speaking at the event, Founder of the International Opera Awards, Harry Hyman said: “This year’s Gala Dinner exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and generosity that is the best of Britain’s arts community. Since founding the Awards in 2012, I am continually moved by how the industry comes together to celebrate not only the extraordinary talent within our community, but ensure we nurture the voices of tomorrow.”

Speaking at the International Opera Awards Gala Dinner, Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP said: “I adore opera and want everyone to enjoy it. I am here tonight because you don’t have opera unless you have talented singers. We have young artists with magnificent voices in every community but they don’t always have the opportunities. That is why I think that the charity, which gives bursaries to young singers, is so important’.

About the International Opera Awards

Founded in 2012 by British entrepreneur, Harry Hyman, the International Opera Awards has become the annual celebration of excellence in opera around the world.

Now considered the ‘Oscars of the Opera industry’, the Awards have been held in some of the world’s most significant opera venues, including the London Coliseum and Sadler’s Well.

The 2025 International Opera Awards will take place on Thursday 13 November at Stavros Niarchos Hall, Athens, continuing the tradition of recognising outstanding achievement across categories including singing, conducting, directing, production and companies.

Event gallery here