Polish dramatic soprano receives $20,000 in award bequeathed by cherished singer.

The Polish dramatic soprano Anna Patrys has won the inaugural Elizabeth Connell Prize.

Patrys was one of 50 sopranos from 17 countries to compete in the international competition, which was whittled down to five singers competing for the award at the finals last Saturday. The Elizabeth Connell Prize was held in conjunction with the Bel Canto Award, worth $30,000. The Elizabeth Connell Prize joins the Bel Canto as the highest honours granted by the Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Foundation. This year’s Bel Canto was won by Samoan soprano Marlena Devoe of New Zealand, who was one of six competing for the prize. 

The judges were impressed by all of the talent shown on the evening, but it was Patrys and Devoe who had their attention from the start. “Both possess beautiful but extremely different voices. These promising young sopranos displayed innate musicianship, stunning voices, exceptional artistry and a true understanding of the music they were interpreting. Rarely does one come across singers who have something very special, but these two singers did, which is why the decision on the day was...