During the 2018 International Opera Awards ceremony, which took place on Monday 9 April at the London Coliseum, Piotr Beczala was awarded with the Male Singer of the Year award.

I am very honoured. I would like to thank the 2018 International Opera Awards jury for the recognition, my family and friends for constant encouragement and inspiration, and my fans for loyal and unfailing support. It is you, who gives me strength to work and aim for excellence. Thank you! – the artist wrote on his social media profiles.

Piotr, who couldn’t attend the ceremony in person due to his work commitments, sent a video from New York, where he is performing at the Metropolitan Opera.

This year’s finalists in 18 categories have been selected for their achievements over the 2017 calendar year by an international jury chaired by John Allison, editor of the Opera magazine and classical music critic with The Daily Telegraph.

International Opera Awards – opera’s equivalent to the Oscars – were founded in 2012 by businessman and philanthropist Harry Hyman. Since the first awards ceremony in 2013 the evening has not only celebrated established stars, but also supported the next generation of talent. The Awards raise money for the Opera Awards Foundation, a charity that provides bursaries to aspiring operatic talent around the world.

BBC Radio 3 is partnering with the International Opera Awards and will broadcast highlights from the awards ceremony in a special 90-minute programme on Sunday 15 April at 7.30pm.