The Metropolitan Opera bestowed its prestigious Beverly Sills Award upon Loyola University New Orleans alumnus Bryan Hymel ’01 Monday, March 25. The $50,000 prize, named after the late American artist, annually recognizes a vocalist age 25 to 40 who has appeared in a featured role at the Met.
Hymel, who made his Metropolitan Opera debut earlier this year when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement in its production of “Les Troyens,” is one of the fastest-rising tenor stars in the opera world. As a highly sought-after recitalist and concert performer, he has appeared in many of the world’s most accomplished opera houses and festivals.
Hymel’s previous accolades include top prize of the 2009 Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition and was the first prize of the 2008 Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation Competition, the 2008 Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition and the 2008 Giulio Gari Foundation Competition. He was a grand finalist in the 2000 Metropolitan Opera National Council.