Annalisa Stroppa has been awarded the Premio della Brescianità.

The mezzo soprano was recognized on Feb. 15 at the 2026 award ceremony which took place at the historic headquarters of the Ateneo di Brescia in Palazzo Tosio.

Established in 1977, the award is presented annually on the day of the city’s patron saints, Faustino and Giovita, to honour citizens of Brescia who have distinguished themselves as ambassadors of the city in Italy and around the world. Stroppa was honored alongside Ottavio Di Stefano, Alessandro Santin and Giuseppe Pasini, two physicians and one entrepreneur.

The awards were presented by Sergio Onger, President of the Ateneo di Brescia; Mario Gorlani, President of the Fondazione Civiltà Bresciana; Francesco Castelli, Dean of the University of Brescia; and Massimo Tedeschi, curator of the prize.

In their remarks, they emphasized that “Stroppa needs no introduction: she is an internationally celebrated mezzosoprano, renowned for her voice, technical versatility and interpretative refinement.”

Upon receiving the award, an emotional Stroppa said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to receive the Premio della Brescianità from the Ateneo di Brescia and the Fondazione Civiltà Bresciana. This recognition deeply moves me, as it unites my love for my homeland with my musical achievements. I am proud to be from Brescia and to carry the name of the ‘Lioness of Italy’ to theatres across the world. I dedicate this award to my city and to the people of Brescia who have believed in me from the very beginning, giving me that special strength which comes from belonging to an ancient, close-knit and industrious community.”

Stroppa recently performed at the Opernhaus Zürich and Bilbao Opera and is set to perform at the Teatro La Fenice and Arena di Verona.

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