I’m grateful to my beloved ABAO Bilbao Opera (and, as always, to my beloved Spain) for this award: best conductor in the first edition of Tutto Verdi International Awards, organised by the Teatro di Bilbao to give international standing to this unique project created in 2006 to highlight the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi. The ambitious programme has developed during its first sixteen years, bringing to Bilbao thirteen previews, new productions and co-productions, as well as books, recordings and awards.

I’m proud to receive this award alongside other marvellous artists, institutions and figures who have taken part, bringing this unrivalled project to the attention of the world. The ABAO Bilbao will be awarding us this evening, and the ceremony will include a Gala recital with the participation of four young Verdi singers who have already caught the attention of the opera world, accompanied by an esteemed Verdi expert of the calibre of Francesco Izzo, with the participation of the Opera di Bilbao Chorus.

I would like to share this special award with the excellent Opera di Bilbao orchestra and to compliment all the award winners, the Bilbao audience who have always shown their full support and great enthusiasm, and the theatre management and technical staff for this Verdi celebration. I have only one regret: not to be there in person due to a commitment in Budapest, rehearsing for this spring’s symphonic concerts with the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. So, thank you Bilbao and I look forward to working with you again soon!