Melbourne-born bass-baritone James Young has won the $40,000 Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award, capping off a stellar weekend of competition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

The 32-year-old singer impressed judges with a program ranging from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore to Wagner’s Tannhäuser, also taking home the $1,000 Audience Prize.

James Young, winner of the 2025 Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award. Photo supplied

He was one of six finalists selected after nationwide and London auditions for the 15th edition of the award, one of Australia’s most significant opera competitions.

The judging panel comprised mezzo-soprano Bernadette Cullen, Universal Music executive Cyrus Meher-Homji OAM, tenor Glenn Winslade and the Foundation’s CEO, mezzo-soprano Fiona Janes.

Janes said Young’s win was unanimous. “James’ complete vocal command and understanding of all four of his arias was one of the finest we have seen in this competition since it began 15 years ago. His enigmatic stage presence ranged from powerfully dramatic to perfectly timed comedic bravura, a range usually associated with a far more experienced artist.”

She praised his...