Bryan Hymel with Licia Albanese
Tenor Bryan Hymel has won the sole first place prize in the 2008 Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation International Vocal Competition. Mr. Hymel's winning arias were "Addio alla madre" from Cavelleria rusticana and "O Paradis!" from L'Africaine.
Mr. Hymel, who appears as Alfredo in La traviata at the Academy of Vocal Arts this weekend, has upcoming engagements with the Wexford Festival, Greek National Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Opéra National de Bordeaux, among others.
In previous years, the competition has awarded several singers first place prizes, but changed the format this year to award only one first place winner. Mr. Hymel receives $12,500 and will sing in a concert with the foundation at a date to be determined.
