ABAO Bilbao Opera has announced the winners of its eighth Ópera XXI Awards.

The awards recognize the finest artists, professionals, and institutions in Spanish lyric opera during the 2024–2025 season.

Canarian tenor Jorge de León claimed the award for Best Male Singer for his portrayal of the title role in Verdi’s “Otello,” which closed ABAO’s 2024–25 season in May 2025.

Meanwhile, the season opener, a new ABAO production of Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” directed by Emiliano Suárez, earned scenic designer Alfons Flores the award for Best Stage Design.

The company’s new production of Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” directed by Paco Azorín earned two additional prizes. Ana Garay, a Bilbao-born costume designer, received the award for Best Costume Design, while Pedro Chamizo was honored for Best Video Creation for his immersive lighting effects and video projections.

Meanwhile, bass Manuel Fuentes was named Best Young Singer. The Alicante-born artist is currently performing the role of Giorgio Talbot in ABAO’s production of Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda,” which opened on Feb. 14

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