A total of 1500 nominations were received from 41 different countries and a shortlist was compiled by a distinguished international jury, headed by John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine, known in the industry as "the bible of the opera world". Allison, who presented the award to Cape Town Opera's MD, Michael Williams, announced: "And the award for Best Opera Chorus award goes to Cape Town Opera, for its energy and exciting commitment, which never fails to communicate itself to an audience and shows again why a chorus can be the backbone of any company."
Williams accepted the award on behalf of Cape Town Opera and said: "Cape Town Opera won the Opera Chorus of the Year award at the first international Opera Awards. More than 700 people attended and the list of opera celebs was as long as the red carpet laid out. This was a climax to all the hard work of the company, particularly the chorus, last year. Albert Horne, you are to be congratulated on your leadership and musical ability. And to all the members of the chorus in Porgy & Bess, Mandela Trilogy, the Sheldonian Chorus Concert, Porgy & Bess Concert in Berlin with the Berlin Philharmonic, and the concert tour to Melbourne, Australia - well done! This award belongs to you."
Other prize-winners included the Frankfurt Opera (Opera Company of the Year), The Metropolitan Opera Company (Orchestra of the Year), Jonas Kauffmann (Best Male Singer) and Nina Stemme (Best Female Singer). "We are truly honoured and extremely happy", said chorus master Albert Horne. "It is amazing to be recognised on an international level, with such esteemed prize winners. I am truly the proudest chorus master in the world right now."
