Greek Baritone Wins International Voice Competition, Secures Prestigious Opera Role

A rising star in the opera world, Konstantinos Stafylides from Thessaloniki, Greece, has distinguished himself as the top performer in the International Voice Competition Boris Martinovich. The 21-year-old baritone's exceptional talent and remarkable performance earned him the competition's absolute winner title in the Uni/Pre-professional division.

Stafylides impressed a distinguished panel of international judges with his superior voice technique and stage presence. Boris Martinovich, the competition's chairman, praised the young artist, describing him as a "very talented and promising rising opera star" who "shadowed all the other competitors."

The competition victory comes with significant professional opportunities for Stafylides. He will receive a $1,000 USD first prize and the "Best Baritone" award, which includes performing the role of Escamillo in the Clyde Opera Company's production of Carmen in Scotland this summer. Additionally, he has been awarded a one-year scholarship for vocal and career coaching with Boris Martinovich.

Already an accomplished young performer, Stafylides has previously performed roles such as Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro and Marcello in La Bohéme. He is currently studying with American baritone Kim Josephson and is pursuing an Integrated Master of Composition and Musicology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The competition, which attracted talented vocalists from around the world, featured winners in both Uni/Pre-professional and Professional divisions. Participants represented diverse countries including China, Korea, Russia, the United States, and Romania, highlighting the competition's international scope and commitment to discovering emerging musical talent.

Stafylides' upcoming performances include significant debut roles this summer, with scheduled performances of Il Conte Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro in Campobasso, Italy, and Don Giovanni in Vienna, Austria. These opportunities underscore the promising trajectory of this young baritone's burgeoning career.