North American publication Opera News has announced the winners of its 2012 Awards. The five outstanding artists ‘who have made an invaluable contribution to the art form’ are Italian soprano Mirella Freni, American soprano Dawn Upshaw, American countertenor David Daniels, British baritone Simon Keenlyside, and American bass-baritone Eric Owens. 

‘All five of this year’s honourees are blessed with the artistic integrity and expressive generosity that inspire everyone who cares about the art form,’ said editor-in-chief F Paul Driscoll

The eighth annual Opera News Awards ceremony will take place on April 21 next year at The Plaza in New York with proceeds going to education programmes of the Metropolitan Opera Guild.