New Zealand opera singer Marlena Devoe has won a prestigious Australian competition for young singers.
The 27-year-old soprano won the 2014 Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto awards in Sydney on Saturday night.
The late Dame Joan Sutherland, Australia's most famous opera singer, made her name in 1959 when she sang the role of Lucia Di Lammermoor at Covent Garden, in London.
Vocal tutor Frances Wilson said Ms Devoe will now sing that role in Auckland later this year.
Another young New Zealand opera singer, James Ioelu, won the Tait prize and the Richard Bonynge award.
Marlena Devoe. Photo: SUPPLIED
