Romanian Soprano Aida Pascu named “Young Performer of the Year” at world’s most prestigious International Classical Music Awards

Romanian soprano Aida Pascu has emerged as a shining star in the world of classical music, earning the prestigious title of “Young Performer of the Year 2024” at the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA). The ICMA Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of classical music,” are among the most esteemed recognitions in the global music industry.

The ICMA Awards feature a unique selection process. Each member of the independent international jury has the privilege of nominating individuals or works, and the final winners are determined through a collective vote. Aida Pascu, along with Sebastian Androne Nakanishi, received nominations from Cristina Comandaşu, the Romanian member of the jury and manager of Radio Romania Muzical.

Aida Pascu, hailing from a family of musicians, who are themselves opera artists, stands out as one of the most promising talents from the young generation trained in the Romanian vocal tradition. Her enchanting voice and exceptional skills have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.

“The young Romanian soprano Aida Pascu, 24 years old, surprises with her beautiful lirico-spinto, dark voice, convincing and mature, and a great stage presence, with all she needs to become an accomplished opera star. Trained at the University of Music in Bucharest, attending also masterclasses with Raina Kabaivanska and Nelly Miricioiu, Aida gained numerous national and international prizes for young opera singers; in 2023, she performed as Mimì in La Bohème at Teatro Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Romanian National Opera in Bucharest, with spectacular success,” stated the jury of ICMA.

Her most recent performance in Bucharest was at the Maria Callas 100 Gala, held as part of the Radio National Orchestra’s 2023 season on December 8, 2023. On January 27, 2024, she is set to take the stage at the Opera in Brasov, where she will portray the character of Donna Anna in Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni.”

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This marks the second remarkable achievement for Romania at the ICMA Awards, following composer Sebastian Androne Nakanishi’s win as “Composer of the Year” in 2022.

The list of special ICMA 2024 awards includes notable names in the classical music realm, such as Artist of the Year awarded to violinist Renaud Capuçon, Label of the Year bestowed upon the Bru Zane label, and a Special Achievement Award for the complete recording of Anton Bruckner’s works conducted by Marcus Poschner.

Furthermore, the audio-video categories feature 16 awarded productions, featuring some of the most influential figures in contemporary international music, including Jordi Savall, Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann, Hilary Hahn, Lars Vogt, Paavo Järvi, François-Xavier Roth, and Herbert Blomstedt.

The winners will be presented with their well-deserved trophies at the ICMA Awards Gala in Valencia on April 12, 2024. This gala will also include a spectacular concert featuring some of the award recipients, accompanied by the Valencia Orchestra under the direction of Alexander Liebreich. For a comprehensive list of the awarded productions in the audio and video categories, you can visit https://www.icma-info.com/winners-2024/.

The International Classical Music Awards (ICMA) represent one of the most renowned and respected accolades in the international recording industry. The jury comprises professional music critics from leading magazines, online publications, and radio stations worldwide. Cristina Comandaşu, a prominent musicologist and the manager of Radio Romania Muzical, proudly represents Radio Romania Muzical on the ICMA jury, contributing to the recognition of exceptional talents like Aida Pascu on the global stage.

Photo courtesy of Aida Pascu’s Facebook Page