Robert Lewis Wins Birgit Nilsson Prize at Operalia
The Welsh tenor took the $15,000 prize for his interpretation of arias by Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Opera
Welsh tenor Robert Lewis won the Birgit Nilsson Prize at Operalia, The World Opera Competition, after reaching the final in Shanghai. The $15,000 prize was awarded for his interpretation of arias by Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner.
Why it matters
The win adds to a recent run of competition success for Lewis, who earlier finished third and was named best tenor at the Concurso Tenor Viñas in Barcelona. Operalia, founded by Plácido Domingo in 1993, is one of the best-known international platforms for emerging opera singers.
The Birgit Nilsson Prize carries a value of $15,000, and Lewis also placed third at the Concurso Tenor Viñas earlier in 2025 while being named its best tenor. The source does not provide ticket sales, audience figures, or fee amounts tied to these results.
The players
Robert Lewis
A Welsh tenor from Llanfyllin who trained at Guildhall School and has appearances scheduled at major European opera houses including Opéra national de Lyon and Bayerische Staatsoper.
Operalia, The World Opera Competition
An international opera competition founded by Plácido Domingo in 1993 that showcases emerging singers for prizes and career opportunities.
Plácido Domingo
A Spanish tenor and conductor who founded Operalia in 1993 and is one of the most prominent figures in classical opera.
The details
Lewis progressed through the quarter-finals and semi-finals before reaching the final in Shanghai, where he was recognized for his interpretation of works by Strauss and Wagner. The Llanfyllin-raised singer has trained for more than ten years, including study at Guildhall School's Vocal Studies department from 2014.
Timeline
2014: Lewis begins studies at Guildhall School's Vocal Studies department.
2020: Lewis graduates with a Master of Music in Opera Studies.
Earlier in 2025: Lewis finishes third at the Concurso Tenor Viñas in Barcelona.
November 5, 2026: Lewis's Operalia prize is reported.
Industry Dynamics
Competitions such as Operalia, founded by Plácido Domingo in 1993, serve as a major pipeline for young singers seeking international engagements. Lewis's results across Barcelona and Shanghai reflect how such contests increasingly function as gateways to European house schedules.
Opera fans can follow Lewis's upcoming performances at several European houses, including Lyon, Lorraine, Luxembourg and Munich's Bayerische Staatsoper. Attendance will depend on each venue's ticketing and scheduling.
The takeaway
Lewis's path from Llanfyllin through conservatory training to international prizes shows how sustained study and competition can lead to a European career. Readers following emerging opera singers can track competition results as early indicators of upcoming performances.
What happens next
Lewis has appearances scheduled at Opéra national de Lyon, Opéra national du Rhin, Opéra national de Lorraine, Théâtre Luxembourg, Longborough Festival Opera and Bayerische Staatsoper.
Further reading
For more on singers rising through international contests, see the Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by County Times.
