Testament to his extraordinary vocal abilities, the young baritone Konstantin Krimmel from Ulm was recently named “Male Singer of the Year”. Excelling in both opera and art song, Krimmel has captivated audiences with his powerful and expressive voice, and his interpretation of “Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin“ is particularly impressive, offering a fresh and emotionally rich perspective on one of the most significant works in the German Lied tradition. Written two centuries ago, Schubert's composition tells the poignant story of a young man who falls in love with a miller's beautiful daughter, exploring themes of hope, heartbreak, wanderlust, and the magic of nature. Accompanied by pianist Daniel Heide, Krimmel masterfully navigates the emotional spectrum of the work, deftly alternating between moments of hilarity and melancholy. His performance demonstrates not only his impressive emotional range, but also his technical prowess, solidifying his status as one of the most promising voices of his generation.

Recently named “Female Singer of the Year”, Austrian-British soprano Anna Prohaska has also been celebrated for her extraordinary versatility across musical genres and historical periods. Prohaska's program encompasses a wide range of composers and styles, reflecting her deep commitment to exploring the full breadth of the classical repertoire. One of her most outstanding projects is “Maria Mater Meretrix”, a concept album realized in collaboration with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the Camerata Bern. This multifaceted project explores the complex and often contradictory representations of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene in the Christian tradition, particularly regarding femininity and social roles. “Maria Mater Meretrix” brings together works from different periods to show how composers have portrayed these figures over the centuries. Featuring both solo and orchestral pieces, the album offers an extraordinary listening experience full of passion and precision, inviting listeners to delve into the nuanced portrayals of these iconic women.

Founded in 2006, Signum Quartet won this year's OPUS Klassik Award in the category “Chamber Music Recording of the Year” for their album “Schubert: Lebensmuth”, which is proudly featured on board. The adventurous quartet have graced many prestigious concert halls including Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw, Elbphilharmonie, and Carnegie Hall. Their latest album masterfully juxtaposes Schubert's first string quartet, written at the tender age of 13, with his final quartet, a work remarkable for its emotional depth and complexity. The album is further enriched by arrangements of Schubert's most poignant songs, such as “An die Nachtigall” and “An die Musik”. Each of Signum Quartet's performances here showcase their remarkable cohesion and interpretive insight, making “Schubert: Lebensmuth” an outstanding addition to the chamber music repertoire.

The album “Eugen Engel: Grete Minde” achieved a double success at this year's OPUS Klassik Awards, winning in both “Best Opera Recording” and “Best World Premiere” categories. Composed by the German-Jewish musician Eugen Engel, this work was the only opera he ever composed before he was murdered at the Sobibor extermination camp in 1943 and had been largely forgotten for six decades. However, his powerful late-Romantic opera has now been brought back to life after receiving its long-overdue world premiere at the Magdeburg Theater in 2022 almost 90 years after its completion. It tells the tragic story of a young woman who sets fire to her hometown in a vengeful rage and perishes in the flames. Bavarian soprano Raffaela Lintl, Hungarian tenor Zoltán Nyári and the Magdeburg Philharmonic under the baton of Anna Skryleva deliver a passionate interpretation that brings Engel's music to life and ensures that this once-forgotten work now claims its rightful place in the operatic canon.