In recognition of their “outstanding work in challenging circumstances,” the opera theaters in the Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Odesa jointly clinched the Company of the Year prize at the International Opera Awards ceremony held on Monday in Madrid’s Teatro Real.
Both theaters resumed staging productions after they were forced to suspend performances when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The jury celebrated their “courage and resilience for continuing to perform despite the dangers and depredations unleashed by the war.” In a nod to the host city, Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini were accompanied by pieces from opera’s Spanish cousin, Zarzuela, a musical theater genre born in Madrid that combines elements from popular music and traditional dance.Readers’ award, the only one decided by popular vote instead of a jury.