(Credit: Chris Singer)

Joyce DiDonato was awarded a special honor in Costa Rica.

The country’s Ministerio Cultura y Juventud said, “For the first time in history, Costa Rica hands over the Carmen Lyra Recognition to the Cultural Brotherhood — and she’s doing it big. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, global opera icon, cultural activist and ally of artistic education projects in the country, receives this distinction for tendering real bridges between art and social transformation. From stages like La Scala, the MET and the Grammys… Until working with young talent in Costa Rica, DiDonato proves that culture is also a form of resilience, beauty and change. Because art has no borders. Because the voices that inspire also build futures.”

DiDonato added, “This has been such a moving honor for me, that you would create this medal and award and grace me with it. Thank you with all my heart. It was a total joy to witness what you are building there in Costa Rica!”

Over the years, DiDonato has been an advocate for music education, giving masterclasses, prison outreach, working with El Sistema Greece, and being a Global Ambassador for World Voice. This season she returns to the Metropolitan Opera for “Innocence” and tours Kevin Puts’ “Emily – No Prisoner Be.”

 

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