Basso Valentin Peytchinov was chosen as winner of the 1990 American Opera Auditions, the unanimous choice of eight judges.

View Comments

Peytchinov, a native of Sofia, Bulgaria, is from a family of professional musicians. He studied piano and wanted to compose. But conservatory teachers advised him to study voice. He later was heard by composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who made it possible for him to study in America.America Opera Auditions is based in Cincinnati and attempts to help up-and-coming, young opera singers. Representatives of opera companies and artists' managers attended the finals when 10 of the 110 singers entered in the competition were heard.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.