Tutto Verdi

These awards foster the global reach of a unique project that began in 2006 to claim the figure and the work of one of the greatest composers of all time: Giuseppe Verdi. A programme that has been developed over 16 years and has brought to Bilbao 30 opera titles, 124 performances, thirteen premieres, new productions and co-productions, ten «Verdi Weeks» with the participation of 56 speakers from various disciplines, in addition to books, recordings, awards and recognitions.

The distinctions, distributed into eight categories, were created as a tribute and a thanksgiving to people and institutions for their significant contribution to the development and implementation of ABAO Bilbao Opera’s Tutto Verdi project.

BBVA FOUNDATION.

For their differential feature in the search for excellence by promoting scientific as well as cultural knowledge. For their support to music and to opera with their own category in the Frontiers of Knowledge Awards. For their ongoing and determined support, as main sponsor for seventeen uninterrupted years, of all ABAO Bilbao Opera’s activities and especially the Tutto Verdi project.

Leo Nucci

For his long career on the most important stages of the world and his ever successful appearances in ABAO Bilbao Opera’s seasons, particularly his unforgettable Rigoletto in October 2013, within the Tutto Verdi project, when the audience requested an encore of the “Si, vendetta” at all the performances.

Pier Luigi Pizzi

For his great contribution to opera through the beauty of his productions, for which he is known as one of the most important stage directors, stage designers and costume designers of our time. Some of his legendary creations have been seen at ABAO Bilbao Opera inside and outside the Tutto Verdi project.

Daniela Barcelona

For her unforgettable performance of Princess Eboli in the first Don Carlos seen at ABAO Bilbao Opera within the Tutto Verdi project.

Juan Jesús Rodríguez

For the resounding success of each of his interventions within the Tutto Verdi project and for being one of the most important Verdi baritones in the world.

Riccardo Frizza

For his versatility, study and knowledge of the Italian operatic repertoire and particularly Verdi’s scores, which makes him one of the most demanded conductors of our day.

Emilio Sagi

For his excellent creativity, his aesthetic sense and his ability to reflect society, finding the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, which he achieved in the Rigoletto production premiered in Bilbao in 2006 and revived on numerous international stages.

Coro de ópera de Bilbao

For their commitment to ABAO Bilbao Opera over the last 30 years; without their presence and artistic excellence it would not have been possible to carry out the Tutto Verdi project, in which they have participated in all the operas in the programme. And particularly, their excellent performance in the Tutto Verdi Concert 2022, with their rendition of «Va, pensiero» of the opera Nabucco.