Selected online by Dallas Opera season subscribers, the winner of the “Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year” Award was announced yesterday evening. The internationally acclaimed singer created the role of Captain Ahab in the opera’s recent production of Moby-Dick.

In an official statement, DO general director and CEO Keith Cerny said:

“With Mr. Heppner at the helm, the cast and production team of Moby-Dick set the standard for productions yet to come – because the Callas Award, while an acknowledgement of our illustrious past, more importantly points the way to an exciting and ground-breaking artistic future.”

“In the new Winspear Era,” Mr. Cerny added, “we are determined to create state-of-the-art productions and commission new works that will attract the finest singers, conductors, directors and designers the world has to offer.  And the task of choosing an honoree for this award should become more difficult for our subscribers with each outstanding season.”