Soprano Corinne Winters, a graduate of Towson University and the Peabody Conservatory, has won the prestigious George London-Leonie Rysanek award. The award, granted by the George London Foundation, is one of six granted to the special talents chosen from a field of over 90 professional opera singers. The competition took place on Feb. 17 at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York.
The $10,000 prize, awarded annually to an elite group of young opera singers, was founded by bass-baritone, George London. Mr. London established the foundation after a prestigious career as a singer at some with some of the best companies at the best houses including a 20 year stint at the Metropolitan Opera. His vocal career cut short by illness, he went onto leadership roles the Kennedy Center, the Washington Opera and the National Opera before his death in 1985.
Remembering his struggles at the beginning of his career, he set up the foundation which has been bestowing grants on young talent at a time in their lives when they need financial assistance the most. On the foundation’s website, his biography states that he wished to make the road to success a little easier for future generations of singers. Some of the most important singers of our time, Christine Brewer, Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Catherine Malfitano, James Morris, Matthew Polenzani, Sondra Radvanovsky, Neil Shicoff, and Dawn Upshaw, have benefited from his generosity.
Ms. Winters recently graduated from the esteemed Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. She has several other prizes in her collection in which to add the London Award. After her graduation from the Academy, she joined the Metropolitan Opera for the 2010-2011 season. She made her debut at the Met as Countess Ceprano in Rigoletto, conducted by Fabio Luisi.
This season’s roster is full of performances with the Met, the New York City Opera, and the National Symphony Orchestra. She is well-sought after with bookings for several years down the road.
Originally from Frederick, Maryland, this accomplished young woman was once a US representative in the Pavarotti International Voice Competition in Modena, Italy. She is currently studying under world-renowned soprano Diana Soviero.