Tenor Dave Monacowho is not yet thirty, has already distinguished himself on both the national and international stages, where he is particularly in demand for the Rossini and, more broadly, belcanto repertoire. He has just participated in Operalia 2025 in Sofia winning Third Prize and the Special Prize by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture, bringing an Italian back to that prestigious podium after nearly ten years! The public semifinals and finals of the competition showcased not only his remarkable talent, but also his emotional strength and ability to captivate both the distinguished jury and the audience who responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Known throughout the operatic world for his radiant personality and kindness, our tenor shared this first statement:

“It’s a dream come true, singing heart and soul, with the will to compete even though my career is already underway and giving me great satisfaction. In a word, participating at Operalia! It’s been a thrill to perform, and to get to know and listen to so many other young singers, knowing that the jury includes some of the most eminent managers and artists in the opera world; and above all, to meet him, the deus ex machina of Operalia, Plácido Domingo. It’s been an honour to sing for his ears at every stage of this competition, and an honour to win the third prize and the special prize by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture.
I know that there will be changes to my artistic career, but that my duty as a winner is to be judged with even greater rigour. I’m ready. Opera and music are my life, and Operalia will be my most prestigious calling card, although I know that, as artists, it’s the stage and the audience that grant us true success.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone, to the organisers of Operalia, to the live audience who showed such enthusiasm, and to the international audience who followed us first on Operalia’s YouTube channel and then, for the final round, on MediciTv.
It’s all been fantastic.”

Operalia winners © SY11 / Lilia Yotova