The pandemic spurred an ongoing efflorescence of opera on film, a mixture of adaptations of centuries-old works as well as new operatic creations. OPERA America recently celebrated these cinematic achievements with its new Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera, which recognize the best work created for digital platforms in the U.S. and Canada.

On November 7, at a livestreamed event at OA’s National Opera Center, the organization announced the inaugural award winners in four catego­ries intended to represent the breadth of digital output: Artistic Creation, Education/Enrichment Material, University/Conservatory Project, and Noteworthy Project.

Ninety-three organizations and 24 individuals submitted more than 100 works for consideration. An independent panel including producers, directors, creators, artists, and administrators whittled the pool down to 14 finalists and then chose the four winners.

“With the Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera, we celebrate a new vehicle for creating, distributing, and experiencing opera,” said Marc A. Scorca, president and CEO of OPERA America. “Opera on digital plat­forms — a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic — has proven to be an invaluable addition to the field, inviting new levels of innovation and service to audiences.”

Learn more about the winners and finalists here.

The Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera are supported by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.

2022 Winners

Soldier Songs
Submitted by David T. Little with Opera Philadelphia
Category: Artistic Creation

Baritone Johnathan McCullough directs and stars in this cinematic adaption of David T. Little’s opera, filmed at the Brandywine Conservancy in Chester County, Pennsylvania, by the site of a significant Revolutionary War battle.

Please Look: A Cinematic Opera Experience
Submitted by Opera ND, University of Notre Dame
Category: University/ Conservatory Project

This series of conceptual music videos features Notre Dame students performing vocal works from the Minimalist repertoire, including excerpts of Glass’ Doctor Atomic and Nixon in China, Adams’ Akhnaten, and Lang’s little match girl passion.

Verdi by Vegetables: The Movie
Submitted by Resonance Works
Category: Education/ Enrichment Material

This feature-length film features over 100 vegetable puppets who guide the viewer through the life and works of Giuseppe “Joe Green” Verdi. Thirty-eight Resonance Works artists recorded the characters’ voices from their homes during the pandemic.

Messiah/Complex
Submitted by Against the Grain Theatre
Category: Noteworthy Project

This reinterpretation of Handel’s Messiah was captured against iconic Canadian landscapes and locations. It showcases multilingual translations and a diverse cast of soloists and choirs from every province and territory across Canada.