OT Freddie De Tommaso (WH 06-11) has taken a step towards stardom after winning one of the world’s most prestigious singing contests.

Freddie won the Tenor Viñas International Singing Competition, staged in January at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona. Regarded as one of the most important in the world of opera, the competition recognises young vocal talents across the globe and is judged by a panel drawn from the world’s greatest opera houses, including La Scala, the New York Metropolitan Opera House and the Bolshoi Theatre.

One of the youngest finalists taking part, Freddie competed against more than 500 singers from 60 countries who auditioned to reach the final stages. Toby Stafford-Allen was Freddie’s singing teacher for five years at Tonbridge, and continues to follow his professional progress.

“This prize is the best thing that could have happened career-wise for Freddie. He’ll be set for life,” Toby said. “He’ll be able to take his pick of top international work and the world is now his oyster.

I’m thrilled for Freddie, who is the most modest, humble person you can imagine. He has turned out to possess a quite supreme talent and this prize really is the most wonderful accolade.”

As well as taking first prize in the Tenor Viñas, Freddie also won a special prize offered by tenor Placido Domingo to a tenor finalist, a second special prize for the best Verdi performer, and two further awards.

The contest was established in 1962 in memory of celebrated Spanish tenor, Francesc Viñas.