Soprano From Naperville Wins 2016 Richard Tucker Award

The Richard Tucker Award, which comes with a $50,000 cash prize and a gala in New York, was announced on Monday morning. The annual prize is given to a rising American opera singer on the “threshold of an major international career.”

Tamara Wilson, who grew up in Naperville, said that when she got the call she jumped for joy around her London hotel room “for a solid 10 minutes.”

Wilson, 34, made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2014 singing the title role in Verdi’s “Aida,” and was nominated for a 2016 Olivier Award for her highly praised performance in Verdi’s “Force of Destiny” at English National Opera.

Since the award was created in 1975 and named for the late Brooklyn-born tenor, many winners have become stars on world stages, including soprano Renee Fleming and last year’s honoree, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton.

Wilson is part of a new generation of singers reaching out to a popular audience whose tastes may not initially include opera.

On her YouTube Channel Exit Stage Left, Wilson offers advice and answers questions from young singers.

Wilson has sung in top theaters from Spain, Germany and England to Chile, Brazil and Japan.

The annual gala concert scheduled for Oct. 30. at Carnegie Hall.

Photo via tamarawilsonsoprano.com

More via Suntimes