Iconic tenor turned baritone Plácido Domingo will receive the inaugural Honorary Fellowship of the International Opera Awards Foundation later this month at a fundraising event celebrating his legacy. A patron of the Awards since its founding in 2012, Domingo will take part in a Q & A session with his biographer Helena Matheopoulos, to be preceded by an illustrated talk about the singer’s impact.

Plácido Domingo. Photo supplied

“Luke in the New Testament says ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ This is a sentiment that is very important to me as I believe all artists have a duty to mentor and support young talent. As the founder of the Operalia Competition and named Young Artist programmes at Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera and in Valencia, I have always made the promotion of young singers one of the most important things I do,” said Domingo.

“I’m delighted that the Opera Awards Foundation has made such a huge contribution to the lives of hundreds of young singers and people wanting careers in this profession. It is a pleasure to support them and I am honoured to accept the Fellowship of the Opera Awards...