Dream comes true for Welsh tenor crowned world's best by Pavarotti widow

TALENTED tenor who grew up idolising opera great Luciano Pavarotti has been crowned the world’s best young singer by the late maestro’s widow.

- STAFF REPORTER

Andrew Henley, 34, from Monmouth, said winning the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at Llangollen International Eisteddfod was a “dream come true” and receiving the award from Nicoletta Mantovani was an “unbelievable” honour.

He triumphed in the pavilion after a thrilling sing-off against gifted soprano Eiry Price, from Pencae-newydd, Gwynedd.

Andrew was presented with his prize by Pavarotti’s widow Nicoletta, now remarried to financier Alberto Tinarelli, who accompanied her on her pilgrimage.

She made a special journey to Wales to celebrate the double anniversary of Pavarotti’s appearances at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, which he credited with igniting his career.

It is 70 years since a young Luciano first performed at Llangollen with his dad’s choir, Chorus Rossini, in 1955, and 30 years since he returned as a global superstar in 1995, when he sang in a sellout concert.

Nicoletta paid tribute to the arts-loving owners of the Pendine Park care organisation, Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, who sponsored the competition via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which supports cultural and community activities.

She specifically asked to present the Pendine prize, a silver salver, because she and Pavarotti were passionate about supporting and encouraging emerging young talent.

Since Pavarotti's death, Nicoletta has set up the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to keeping alive his memory and supporting promising young opera singers.