Richard Hewitt - Dutton from Warrington
I dont want to add comment, but to ask any professional singer how to convey emotion musically?

dot and robert brown, Paisley
Having read the above comments, we would have to ask DID NO ONE HEAR QUINN KELSEY???!!! Fair enough, the Korean soprano was superb - vocal and emotional fireworks - Nicole Cabell and Andrew Kennedy were technically proficient, but conveyed no emotion whatsoever (each song\aria sounded very much the same). But when Quinn Kelsey came on, we were stopped in our tracks. The beauty of his tone, the phrasing, the emotion/character he put in to each performance. We'll definitely be hearing more from him. Good luck Quinn!

Ygor Coelho from Fortaleza, Brazil
I was much impressed with the winner Nicole Cabell. She certainly deserved to win the competition! In fact, she really deserves to be a major Opera star in the next years. She had that warm and full voice that we haven't heard much often these days, and she's technically perfect. Besides, I found her the most mature actress, no overacting and no mannerisms at all. I thought the Korean Ha-Young Lee has a magnificent voice, but she has breathing problems and her interpretation was really weird. I also loved the mezzo Dawn Thompson, she has the voice and the temperament for the best Bel Canto roles!

Philip Gardner in NYC
I have listened to the entire competition again and would like to somewhat alter my previous comments: Cabell, Smoriginas and Dimitrijevic are all very good and the Danish tenor's singing of the JEPTHA aria is the vocal high point of the whole event. The Korean girl lacks a solid breathing technique.

Robert Medcraft
What a competition!!! Not very happy though that the Korean did not even make the final - after giving the best performance of the week (an oppinion mirrored by the audience) I could not think of a more diserved winner of the audience prize. My personal oppinion was that she deserved a place in the final more than the English tenor! But what a winner - Nicole a name that is sure to become popular on the international opera stage. Can't wait to see what 2007 throws our way!

Philip Gardner in NYC
Every year my friend Mollie has sent me tapes of the Cardiff Competition concerts. I have to say that this year's crop of singers is not very impressive. A few passing moments of beauty (very few) but mostly problems with pitch or wobble, or both. Do they teach singers how to trill these days? Most of the attempts at trills or fiorature here have been pretty bad. Are we really hearing the best young singers from all over the world? Where are the Terfels? The Mattilas? The Kat Karneuses? I'm sorry, but I think there HAVE TO BE better singers in the world than the ones who were featured here.

james hertfordshire
Belatedly I must defend Ms. Lungu from Moldova. Whatever faults she had - and they exist, as Amanda Roocroft pointed out - she has that "star quality" that singled her out as a generous risk taking singer. It seems all the judges were looking for was singers who were cautious, intelligent, restained. Great qualities if you are looking for a singer who, like Sutherland, has a very long career. But Lungu had more to offer. A singer who was prepared to push herself that little bit further. Oh, I know her repertoire was out of fashion - but personally I'm bored to tears with singers trying to impress with "in" music. I mean, who honestly prefers Tippet to Verdi? And she may end up like Souliotis, Sass or (here it comes) Callas, with a damaged voice. But it will be a thrilling few years none the less. Not that I wish her harm. I think it's all in her vivid temperament and her desire to communicate. And at the end of the day, these singers are entertainers, for goodness sakes. So bring on the Bel Canto. (it's like being back in 1976 and admitting you like ABBA!). I hope Ms. Lungu is taken in hand, carefully nutured and trained so that she can fulfil her incredible potential. She's the singer I'll look out for and remember from Cardiff 2005.

J.Evans from Bangor
Hear hear - where was the anthem to round off the competition? In the past it has provided an incomparable finale to the competition as a whole and this year it was sorely missed.

Michael Lanier from California
I would like to congratulate all of the Cardiff Singer of the World 2005 contestants for their brillant performances. I am most proud of Nicole Cabell for winning the competition, and for demonstrating poise and grace well beyond her years. I expect many more victories and brillant performances to come from her as she moves forward with her professional opera career. She is truly a unique talent with a huge voice and a heart of gold to match. I am looking forward to hearing my niece Nicole perform live in Pasadena, CA in August 2005 and want her to know that her entire family could not be prouder of her at this very moment in time. Congratulatons again Nicole on a job well done!

Helen, London
Another riveting competition, but of course I have my opinions too and would like to offer an alternative line-up for the final - how about Quinn Kelsey, Andrew Kennedy, Ha-Young Lee, Amanda Echalez and Costas Smoriginas? I think some people were overlooked, but who am I to challenge Marilyn Horne, Sergei Leiferkus and Rene Kollo?!?! I just hope the BBC will broadcast the masterclasses (and not just highlights please!), as I would love to hear some of the singers again and hear what the experts have to say to them. Roll on 2007 (with the Welsh National Anthem this time please - I agree!)

Paddy Ashcroft Cambridge
Before I start I must confess to a lack of objectivity having been a student with Andrew Kennedy but I'll try to keep my comments fair and measured. There have been many perceptive and thoughtful comments written on this forum which goes to show that all is required to appreciate good singing are a pair of ears and a heart. Watching on TV we can only get a distorted view of what the judges see: peformers moving around are more noticeable on the box and smaller voices can be compensated by a well-balanced array of microphones. Whilst I enjoyed Ha Young Lee's performance in her heat, for my money she was not the run-away winner that many thought her to be. In fact I struggled to pick a winner from this round. The Chilean had a good voice but I wasn't particularly convinced by his musicianship, technique or delivery. I suspect that the sound he made over the orchestra swung it for him. He comes from a very different background; one where the quality of voice is important above all else and I can't help but feel the panel allowed for this a little. In contrast it seems that Andrew's lighter voice did him no favours with the Judges. His delivery was exceptional and classy and to read today in the papers that he doesn't have a "great voice" seems a harsh although perhaps, for once, the reviewer was using great with its proper meaning. As a young tenor, I can only aspire to perform as well as he does. That said, I still though Miss USA was the deserved winner. To my ear most of her programme failed to get me going- especially the Mozart which felt a little routine and not well suited to her voice- but the end of the Berlioz was worth the wait. Truly astonishing.

Hans Vrijmoed
This episode of the Cardiff Singer of the world delivered really beautiful promising singing. Alas I am not able to receive BBC4 in Holland so I followed the concerts on the Internet. As I could not tape it and hence rehear the complete concerts (Please BBC couldn't you change that?), I am a bit incomplete in my judging. Given this I comment, using my memory, the fragments and the final. Beyond any question there was the high standard of the material of the singers. I was impressed by the beautiful and touching singing of the Bulgarian Tsvetana Bandalovska in Bohème. Then there was the Moldavian soprano Irina Lungu. Also the Canadian Marie-Josée Lord impressed me. Those singers I really missed in the final. On the other hand I felt that Wendy Dawn Thompson should not have been in the final. Though in the concert she sang Strauss beautifully (which by the way she did not do in the final), there was a strong dismatch of her coloratura singing and the orchestra. But what is more her way of singing did irritate me. The final was a bit disappointing regarding the choice of pieces. Fact is that, despite the missing of Bulgarian, the Moldavian and the Canadian I certainly agree on the election of Nicole Cabell as Singer of the World 2005. I looked like as if there was some discussion about the choice between Luis (Olivares Sandoval) and Nicole. But I felt that the tenor, indeed with the really great voice, was not of the standard of Nicole. Singing I tiny little bit to high he could not convince me. Credit of course to him that he sung strong very well known arias, which we know so well from famous tenors.

Barrie Scott from Birmingham
I managed to get a ticket for this year's final... there was no question, live, that the jury's choice was the right one. I heard none of the heats (thanks BBC... how about returning Cardiff to terrestrialTV??), but Nicole Cabell was head and shoulders (and high 'B') above the rest!

Seb - London
Let's call a spade a spade. Violetta probably had far too little sleep on a regular basis; was half starved with having to constantly watch her figure; regularly inbibed massive quantities of champagne and was no doubt psychologically damaged to boot on account of the particular challenges of her 'profession'. Hardly a recipe for level-headeness I'd say. Ha-Young was perfect - bold, crazy, wild and beautiful.

G Motley, Derby
Nicole Cabell's performance in the Final left me rather cold in the final I am sorry to say. I cannot deny she has a technically flawless, magnificent voice, but I preferred Andrew Kennedy's performance, and I thought Luis Sandaval performed a lot better than he did in his heat. Wendy Dawn Thompson has a lovely stage personality and beautiful mezzo-soprano voice too.

Melanie David from Winscombe, Somerset
P.S. - so glad I went to the final - all the singers sounded better than thay had before - except Nicole who was simply AS good - wonderful voice, something special, she really deserved to win. So pleased that Hayoung Lee got the audience prize - justice was done in the end. The standard of singing was exceptionally high this year. Long may the competition continue - and as BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, not BBC Singer of the World in Cardiff - it is the Welsh audience, imbued with singing, which makes the competition so special.

Peter from London
I'm afraid I didn't get to see the Korean on Friday, but I think that it is a little rich of everyone to question the Jury's decision. Opera is an art form based on tradition and long training. The jury consists of some of the greatest living singers and their opinion should be respected. There is so much ignorance when it comes to opera and the taste of the wider public has been sullied by the indiscriminate publicity machines of the record companies. Were, for example, Lesley Garrett and Renata Tebaldi to have come up against each other in the competition I could well imagine the audience vote going to the plucky, "exciting", Lesley. The jury would vote differently.

Juliet from Clanfield
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole competition and thought the standard of the singers outstanding. My only slight disappointment was in the programmes chosen by the finalists. On the whole I had much preferred their choice for the rounds which I thought did more justice to most of them.

Bob Moffat London
This was the first competition since 1991 that I have not been in St David's Hall for and I am only too aware of the different effects that being in the hall and watching on TV can have. But for me the moment Nicole Cabell came and sang in her heat she demonstrated that special quality that isn't just musicianship but that extra something that makes a true 'Singer of the World'. So for me this was the right choice, and I am sure that here will be a singer who will go on to be a major star. 2005 was a great year with many exceptional performances and another worthy winner of the Rosenblatt prize. I just hope that London audiences do not have to wait too long for Andrew's recital - and to hear Nicole too! PS please bring back the anthem! always the most emotional moment of the Competition!

David Jones, Cwmllynfell
Another fantastic week's competition has been brought to a close with an excellent final, with Nicole Kabell deserving her triumph. She's destined for a wonderful career, along I might add with a number of this year's competitors, particularly Wendy Dawn-Thompson and Mikhail Koleishvili. Really pleased to see the Korean Ha-Young Lee pick up the audience prize for her performance in the heats. Thanks to the BBC for their coverage and to the fantastic NoW and WNO orchestras, conductors and accompanists for their excellent contribution to a seemless week's music-making. Looking forward to June 2007 already. Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd.

Stephen from London
Another anti-Korean vote from me. She was cold, calculating and clinical -- her fireworks were all surface and no depth. She is not (yet) a musician. Mind you, I don't think Ms Cabell is either -- it was all far too schooled. By contrast the two tenors in the final not only sang as if their lives depended on it but responded intelligently and emotionally to the words and the music. Andrew Kennedy in particular was a brilliantly inventive and responsive performer -- a real chameleon. Thank heaven for the British choral tradition; when will it be probably open to young women?

Frances Reilly, Newmains, Lanarkshire, Scotland
During Friday's heat when Lee Bissett was performing, Petroc said that the only ever Scottish finalist was in 1991. I would just like to point out that this was Rosalind Sutherland in 1995. Also, I think that the judges passed over the Korean soprano because of her moving around so much when singing. Despite her voice and choice of programme, they probably considered this a matter of technique that she was not able to be more controlled on stage.

Richard McDonald from Middlesbrough
I spent the weekend watching tapes of the 5 rounds back to back prior to the final. The standard was so high that I felt any of about 8 of the competitors would not have disgracred the title of Singer of the World coompared to previous years. As to the Korean soprano, concert performances are not stage performances and she should have moderated her acting accordingly. Also, Violetta was essentially a very classy woman (despite or because of her profession) and at that stage of the opera was subtlety and suggestion rather than letting it all hang out as if she had nothing to lose. There is a much greater degree of skill in communicating Violetta's dilemma with restraint than complete abandon. As to the final, you could make a case for each of the singers, but the winner was closest to the finished product - not so much what will be as what already is. ps - the judges have been around for a while and know what they are talking about. See Pop Idol and Fame Academy to see how many LASTING winners they produce by popular vote.

John Norris, in Seventh Heaven
I regard myself as a level-headed, down-to-earth sort of person, but having followed the Cardiff Singer of the World on BBC TV and Radio this week, I find myself resorting to the language of religious experience in attempting to articulate my reaction to it. I'm still luxuriating in a warm glow of happiness following yesterday's final. There were performances of ineffable beauty, able to touch the innermost soul; a held note seemed, for the moment, to contain all existence, enraptured. To say I was moved seems banal and pitiful, but I know in some inexpressible way I am different as a result of these performances. Very grateful to all concerned.

James Thomas, Oxford
Many interesting voices in the competition. I am a little biased as I am a baritone but I think Howard Reddy of Ireland could really become a huge star. Fair result in the final though her performance left me cold but technically impressive. Sometimes I think even making them compete is so against the nature of what they should be doing. No point complaining I suppose

Christine Boardman, London
So here's my summary for what it's worth. Very close final between New Zealand and USA - question of taste really. For me USA was too boring. Voices of the competition Latvia, Ireland, Lithuania, Korea, Moldova. Anyway i wish them all well.

Anne Smith from Swindon
Thoroughly enjoyed the competition, suffering withdrawal symptoms already. Would like to say how much I appreciated Mary King's contribution. Interesting to read others'reactions here. In my view Ha-Young Lee gave a riveting performance. I admit I was surprised the Chilean tenor won his round but in the final I could hear why he earned his place - his voice is uncommonly beautiful (ten a penny, someone said? I wish!) As a former reader of rec.music.opera (couldn't take the vileness ) I know only too well how tastes differ and how passions are inflamed when it comes to opera.

shp from Sherborne
I agree that the Korean soprano had a good voice, but she was painful to watch and would need to rethink her presentation if she was actually cast as Violetta. Will any of the masterclasses be broadcast? I do hope so.

Jim Bennett from Lopndon W4
What a feast of singing, worth paying the licence fee for this alone. Now how about a Dancer of the year, could be based in say Birmingham or Manchester. Thanks BBC Jim

Sweepstaker, from Las Vegas
What a fabulous event this has been! I'm still exhilarated after a totally-absorbing final, but what wonderful performances we've had throughout the whole week. Many thanks to all the performers (not forgetting the accompanists and orchestral players) for what has been a marvellous and memorable contest of song: good wishes to you all on your future careers, and congratulations to winners. Well done, too, BBC TV and Radio for the coverage: it's been a bit of a marathon (especially with the "Beethoven" as well), but a thoroughly enjoyable one; I'm in need of a breather now before the Proms... But explain this: why is that, after the Eurovision Song Contest, the news bulletins have full reports. But, tonight, not as much as a bleat about the Cardiff Singer. Why not? (And, would you believe it, as I write, News 24 is reporting on the "Webby" Awards...)

Sue Brown London
I've enjoyed the competition enormously and apart from the performances themselves particularly the comments from Ian Burnside and Humphrey Burton on the Song prize, as well as Mary King on the opera competition. They mean so much more than prize presenters and silly interviewers because they give insights into what the jury may be thinking. Listening both to R3 and BBC 2 to-night I was fascinated by how similar Mary King's and Ian Burnside's comments were. Of course the main competition should all have been shown on BBC 2 and why not the Song Prize too (perhaps late evening) -so much more interesting than most of what's now on that Channel. Many of my friends were frustrated by not being able to follow the competition. Hearing young singers when their voices are at their freshest is always a wonderful thrill. Ultimately I thought the jury judged both competitions right (tho it's always so frustrating that we know so little about why they reached their judgements). And it has to be said that they saw something in the Chilean tenor that most of us missed in his heat. To-night he was a different man and did great things. But the singer who gave me the greatest pleasure all week was Wendy Dawn Thompson. I loved her commitment, communicativeness, bravery, musical intelligence and the beauty of her voice. Can't wait to hear her sing some of those wonderful Handel mezzo roles and, of course, the Composer. It's been a great week with lots of fascinating singing and quite a few names to remember.

Michael Outlaw from Shanklin, Isle of Wight
So we got the right result in the end, given that Ha-Young Lee was not allowed to participate in the Final, but even then it was, reportedly, by only one vote. Luis was much better tonight, but he chose three very popular old war-horses and when he tried to convey emotion in the 'Rigoletto' he seemed suddenly to be much less comfortable. My favourite tenor of all time (Jussi Bjorling) was like a block of wood on stage, but then he conveyed the emotion through his singing. Compare his 'Salut, demeure chaste et pure' with Luis's and you'll see what I mean. The New Zealand mezzo is a very honest singer, but her voice lacks body in the lower register. Her 'Spectre de la Rose' was a brave try, but it was impossible not to compare with Janet Baker or Frederica von Stade and recall what was missing. Daria Masiero was perfectly acceptable, but you will find her equal in any provincial Italian opera house any night of the week. Andrew Kennedy sang with great finesse and superb style in the Handel and Mozart and made a good stab at the 'Don Pasquale' - it would have been better if he'd gone on to the cabaletta which follows (E se fia che ad altro oggetto)- it might have done him better service than the Strauss which needs a bigger voice than he possesses. As for Nicole Cabell, what a thrilling performance. How marvellous to hear the Tippett sung with such sincerity! The 'Idomeneo' aria sounded exquisite to me, though Mary King, whose opinion I respect, had her doubts. But the 'Cellini' aria was fantastic. Purity of tone, limpid high notes, comedy beautifully portrayed in the voice as well as the face - I can't wait for the first CD. And thank God that Ha-Young Lee won the Audience prize. Thank you BBC for a wonderful week, but one small quibble for the producer. After a week of such extraordinary singing, why not let us hear the audience singing the Welsh National Anthem. It is a fitting conclusion to the evening and nowhere else in the world, I repeat, NOWHERE, would you hear an AUDIENCE sing like that. Please don't cut it in 2007!!!

Diane from Leeds
As a singer, I have to disagree with most of the comments on here concerning the result of round 5, and to point out that it's pretty insulting to the judges to insinuate that they might have based their professional decisions on something other than the performances. Singing, like other forms of art, is very subjective. I didn't enjoy the Korean girl's performance at all, for reasons I would prefer not to go into here. The Chilean tenor was the only possible winner of that particular round as far as I was concerned. As far as the final went, it was obvious that Nicole Cabell would win - she knew exactly what buttons to press and (apart from the sub-standard performance of the Mozart) sang an extremely polished programme. But of course, the greatest musician and most complete performer of the competition is Andrew Kennedy. Every note has been thought about and is placed perfectly. He is a supreme communicator, his diction in any language is beyond reproach (my partner, also a musician, came in halfway through the Lensky aria and asked if he was Russian!) and every song and aria is sung using a different style and tone colour. There is no hint of strain or 'holding' of the voice, just that glorious sound, no hiding behind excessive vibrato - I simply cannot praise him highly enough! Thank you to all the competitors and the BBC for a terrific competition. The name Andrew Kennedy will become as well-known as Bryn Terfel, or there's no justice in the world!

H.Dawson from Newport
Many congratulations to Nicole on winning the final. She surely has a great career ahead of her and I wish her the very best and hope very much to see her at some point on the stage of WNO in Cardiff. I should also like to praise Andrew Kennedy for his superb performance. Like others I couldn't help but be reminded of the great Fritz Wunderlich in the focus and intensity of his delivery of the Seraglio aria. This is a very great Mozart voice indeed and surprisingly good also in the Donizetti. I far preferred his performance of this composer than that of the Chilean tenor. We need tenors with focus, intelligence and heart in this music and for me Andrew was far and away the better of the two. Which brings me to Ha-Young......What a shame she was not permitted to give Nicole a run for her money in the final(thank heavens for the audience vote!). The Chilean tenor's performance, though creditable, only confirmed my original opinion that he shouldn't have been there tonight The fact that there was only one point between first and second place suggests that even at this stage the jury were deaf to his, to me, obvious shortcomings and were thinking of passing first prize to him (though if they were torn between Nicole and Andrew that would have been far more understandable...). It pains me to say it but I think the jury really lost the confidence of the audience this year and I'd like to see an entirely new set of judges next year who are more in tune with the operatic mood of the 21st century. Finally, I wish all the singers who came to Cardiff great success in the future but would wish to thank in particular my own five "finalists" - Nicole, Andrew, Ha - Young,Irina and Amanda - for the immense pleasure they've given me through the week. Good luck to you all!

Hugh Baldwin, Middlesex
I can only assume that there was something the judges saw or heard, that escaped my sight and ears, as there is no doubt that the Korean Soprano stole the show. Why she did not make the final will for ever be a mystery. Not only to me but to many others.

Paolo
Actually, it is quite good that the jury is formed by people who know about singing (not easy to impress with pyrotechnics), and not by audience people who never sang a note in their lives and think to know so much. The competition was GREAT... what a level of these young singers! we should pay much attention to the careers of many of these singers. Nicole Cabell, Luis Olivares (WOW), Andrew Kennedy, non-finalists as Ha-Young Lee, Gaston Rivero, Sune Hjerrild, Kostas Smoriginas... These people will give us a lot to talk about in the future. Good luck and congratulations to all the young singers who were there this year. They all deserved to be there.

Harry - Lincoln
See! The panel does need changing. The audience prize winner should really have been one of the finalists - if the judges were doing their jobs right - but then they over looked the fantastic Ha young Lee. Hope they now realise the big mistake they made by not even putting her in the final.Well done Nicole you were the best tonight-beautiful voice. Andrew you did the country proud ! Great contest - just a younger panel needed !! Thanks BBC.

Isabel from York
I'm assuming the one vote difference was with Luis Olivares Sandoval? I wasn't impressed at his heat (I would have chosen Lee Bisset) but tonight he was superb. Nicole Cabell had my vote until Sandoval sang and then I was mesmerized. Of the final contestants he's the one I'd most want to hear again.

Craig Faulkner Stoke-on-Trent
Congratulations Nicole Cabelle. I am pleased that the best person won. The jury must have an awful job in deciding who goes through and who wins. To quiz them about their decision a-la-Fame Academy seems a little purile. I believe the tenor on Friday needed more imagination but that the Korean soprano was just OTT.

George Hanson from Welshpool
I supported Andrew Kennedy throughout the competition, but tonight's result in the Final was a very well deserved one, and the right one. Well done Nicole.

Alice Montgomery. Brecon
YES! Deep joy the Korean girl got her prize. Brought tears to my eyes. Just goes to show once again, you can't fool the fans :)Suppose it was hoping for too much to expect Dame Joan to applaud too..

Richard Avon South Gloucestershire
The FINAL WOW What a nail biter. I said after the last round it would all depend on repetoire and form tonight. I thought Andrew Kennedy made two poor choices which did not show him at his best. For Mozart he could have opted for the Magic Flute and his final Strauss lied was a poor choice. Great song but but for him. Perhaps Heimliche Aufforderung would have ben a better choice it would certainly suit him. Our New Zealander had rather blown her voice by the time she came to the Strauss so it lacked the impact of her first round which was superb. Our lovely Italian soprano was superb in her first and last numbers but her Dove Sono was taken too fast and so she missed the pathos of this sublime aria. So we were left with a choice between the last two. All week I have been saying Nicole Cabel would walk it and her Tippet and Berlioz were superb but Mozart just doesn't suit her. Her sound was just not right in this aria. Then the tenor, so much better than in his heat with a beautiful perfomance of Una Furtiva Lagrima and an excellent performance of the Rigolletto aria but if you are going to sing the Faust aria you know that the audience is just waiting for a ringing, sustained and voluptuous top c and unfortunately he blew it but he has a very exciting and pure tenor for the classic Italian repetoire and as such is a rare breed so he can look forward to a great career. So there were no perfect perfomances and because tenors of this calibre are so rare my wife thought that he was going to win BUT I stuck to my guns and thought it would be Nicole - Just! WHAT a wonderful week it has been with so many superb perfomances from the orchestras and conductors as well as the singers and also VERY slick production with comment kept to the minimum (Apart from all the subscribers to this forum of course!!). Now we have to wait two years again and dare I hope that next time we can find that rarest of rare creatures a true Verdi Baritone? But once again what a gloriuous week and my thanks to all who have made this possible

Christopher Clift, Birmingham
What a stunning Final! I haven't watched this year's competition until tonight (Sunday 19 June) but such an array of talent! I liked the Italian soprano, and thought she would make a strong impression on the judges, - until Nicol Cabell sang the Tippett. That did it for me - after that, the other finalists sadly were not in the same league. I realise there was (reputedly) only one vote in Nicol's favour at the end, but in spite of Mary King's reservations over her Mozart, I thought Nicol had everything - a superb voice, marvellous technique and great communication for her audience. She looks good too. A well deserved winner!

Peter Wilson from Cheshire
Having just listened to Andrew Kennedy's performance in the final I was reminded of that great tenor Fritz Wunderlich. May Andrew have such a wonderful career. He fully deserves it.

Claude Cassagne in London
I COMPLETELY and WHOLE-HEARTEDLY agree that the Korean singer was unjustly and unreasonably left ouf of the final. Perhaps because she would have then ridiculed the others? Perhaps it was out of self-pity for the others? Regardless, she WILL have an international career. I absolutely agree that opera singers should ACT the song. If not, we have something like a south american high-voiced male, for example, standing there and just singing notes. Yes, I would like to hear from EVERY ONE of those judges. Furthermore, TWO TENORS IN THE FINAL?!?! Are they MAD? I quite like the American soprano. The British tenor deserves a good note for effort but that voice will not go nearly as far as the Korean star. She truly is and will be a super luminary long after the others have degenerated into pop singing.

Dee from Southport
The Korean singer was the best in the competition, reminded me of Callas the way she entered into the very heart of the characters. What rubbish the judges were to ignore her. She will be the real winner over time, of that I am sure.

Harry Staff, Birmingham
I would like to urge the moderators of this website to pass on to that fantastic Korean soprano all the messages of support she has received here after the judges SPITEFUL decision during round 5. Such a prodigiously talented person should not be allowed to go home from this competition feeling anything but pride in her achievement.

Erin from Vancouver
I am surprised and pleased to find so many strong opinions and obvious love for music among the viewers. What I think we all need to remember is that things can look and sound very different in St. David's Hall then they can through the computer and television screen. While we can all be moved and touched through this medium, the judges are in the hall experiencing a performance that is live, and it is by that standard that they choose a winner. I find it unfortunate that some feel they must call into question their judgement having only heard the preliminary rounds through another medium. In any competition, there will always be disagreement on who the winner should be. There are incredibly varied tastes, and there is no one singer who will satisfy 100% of the audience in any competition or performance - not even among today's "top" professional singers. Nor should there be. We would be a very boring musical audience if we were all satisfied by the same thing. Please, support the artists that move you, but realize that opinion will never be uniform, and that enjoyment of one artist's gifts does not have to be at the expense of another's.

Herman Smith from Ledbury
Me again. I was astonished when Ha Young Lee did not make it into the final as her performances were musically and dramatically impeccable, at times redolent of Callas at her best. Her histrionic gestures probably let her down - they come across as tasteless in our land of polite reserve, but they seemed to me to be driven by genuine conviction rather than a misplaced desire to impress. The best solution whenever one is faced by distracting gestures of this kind (and their have been plenty of them) is to close one's eyes and simply listen. Given this treatment Ha Young Lee's performance came across as something in a league of its own. She did astonishing things with her material and revealed profound understanding of its content. The Chilean tenor may have a fine voice, but a fine voice is not enough; it is simply an instrument. Peter Pears had a voice that was anything but fine, many even found it unattractive, but it was what he did with it that made his performances special. Unlike Pears, the Chilean did very little to enlighten his audience. Putting things another way, I'd much rather hear Itzak Perleman play on an orange box than listen to Mr Average-Fiddler playing on a Strad.

Almos Kovacs from Bournemouth, Sunday pm
Opera (and all music)is about personal emotions! Ha Young Lee made me feel as if she was physically and mentally experiencing the torment of love versus her situation, actually happening to her, not just acting it out! All those of you who talk about her performance in terms of 'histrionics' and 'overacting' - have you ever been head over heels in love? Have you ever felt your blood throbbing in your eyes, in your ears, in the temples of your head, wishing to embrace for all eternity someone you loved? I am past 71. Her performance in all its aspect made me feel as if my age was changed around: from 71 to 17.

Paul Willam, New York
Having been a huge opera fan throughout the years I have travelled all over the globe listening to the music I love, and I never forget the Cardiff Singer of the world. This is the chance to spot "the rising talent" should I call it and by god did i find some. Howard Reddy. May not have been at his best on Sunday night but on Tuesday he was outstanding. This guy is gonna be big. He has such a powerful voice.I would love to work with this guy and his manners as well. I know for the judges its 99.99% about the singing but this guy is a true gentleman, shaking hands with everyone, saying thank you and he was the only one to do so on Sunday night. If anybody here has anymore information on him(as in next concert he will be in or any appearances) I would love to see him again and especially with an orchestra, as I think he might have been a bit nervous. However this guy is a great great talent. So look out for this guy HOWARD REDDY good luck in the future.

Alan Barlow from Preston
I've enjoyed Cardiff Singer throughout but I'm puzzled why the presenters focus so much on characterisation and so little on the actual quality of voice ie light, shade and colouring. I believe that some performers have gone way over the top in their delivery; while these performers are well supported by viewers they have quite rightly fallen foul of the judges. I do wonder if television is the right media for Cardiff Singer and whether radio would better enable listeners to focus on the quality of voice.

Steve - Oxford
I must reply to those contributors who have commented on Ha Young Lee`s overacting. What UTTER nonense .She was singing opera for goodness sake, in a concert hall and she was singing to the AUDIENCE. This is not a T.V event - what may look over the top on a T.V.screen would not be so in a concert hall or theatre. You should applaud her for her original and brave interpretation and for reaching out to the people who are in the cheaper seats , miles away from the stage. I agree that some young blood needs to be present in the jury. They have robbed the competition of a fantastic talent - and a potentially thrilling final. Singing is all about communication don`t they know that ? I shall enjoy the final but will be thinking all the time that another singer should be there. Let`s hope the audience give her a prize. Keep going Ha Young Lee - I`ll sure you`ll be a success - don`t let the misjudged panel get to you .

Andrew, Glasgow
I must say that I'm no't at all suprised that the Korean soprano did not get to the final. I have rarley seen such histrionics on stage, I'm not ven sure you could call it overacting as it seemed to me that it was more of a way to get the notes out. Good voice though.

Nick, Hertfordshire
I was delighted that the Chilean tenor reached the final. From all the voices I heard this week, his was, by far, the most accomplished. What is wrong with focusing on the voice as being the most important part of the performance?? I was surprised at the presenters' negative comments towards the tenor. Yet they raved about a soprano who made me feel ill moving around. She also shouted the Traviata piece: rather than it being 'dynamic' and 'exciting' it was scary to watch!

Arnold Saxton from Chiswick
My wife and I were astonished that the Korean soprano didn't get anywhere, either in her heat or into the final. But, on reading the earlier comments, I see that opinions can be diametrically opposed - for every supporter of the Chilean tenor, there's someone less enthusiastic. I would second those who praised the wider repertoire this year. No longer do we hear the Count's aria from 'Figaro', Mimi's aria or the Largo al Factotum four or five times. The greater presence of 20th-Century music is to be encouraged, as is the range of English-language extracts - without the subtitles, it's a real test of the singer's communication. Interesting to see Massenet coming up so often, but the French language is a great stumbling-block for so many artistes. We couldn't understand Quinn Kelsey's 'Vision fugitive' at all - and my wife is French! We also found his other numbers not always well-focused. And couldn't see why so many enthuse about the Georgian bass. But no doubt our favourites would be rejected by many. No question, though, about who should win - Nicole Cabell!

Bob McDonald from Wirral
Like so many others I am utterly astounded that the Korean soprano Ha Young Lee did not win Round 5. The judges decision is inexplicable. Surely the bottom line is whether or not a singer moves you with their performance and only a small number of competitors in this years contest managed to do that for me. Ha Young Lee was one of them. I remain baffled, as no doubt does the Chilean tenor at his extraordinary win. My wife and I have been watching Cardiff Singer of the World since its inception and have disagreed with the judges on several occasions but never have we seen a decision so completely out of touch with what seems to be the popular view. On a wider note, there seems to be little doubt that Nicole Cabell will win the competition, a singer with a high level of technical skill, although I have to say that she did not move me in the slightest. Daria Masiero and Andrew Kennedy would for me be worthy winners. Puzzled.

Almos Kovacs from Bournemouth
THE JURY Concert 5: The voting by each member should be revealed, together with their reasoning for their choice. In light of this SCANDALOUS decision the chairman should arrange this to happen at once, AND the BBC should publish it on their website as well as in the BBC's music magazine. None of those judges who voted for Concert 5's "winner" (?!!!) should be ever invited to judge any musical competitions in our country again, in my opinion.

Ann Turner, Bontddu Coed,
Brilliant competition - but really was Ha Young Lee not even worthy of a place in the final after a performance that brought to the competition such a star performance ?....perhaps her performance was a little over the top- but isn't that what opera is all about, bringing real excitement into musical expression. Perhaps the jury felt her presence in the final would overshadow the other contestants?

Anne kennedy West Sussex
Lee Bisset was beautiful in every way. Ha Young was superb fantastic noble exquisite and has the emotional pull of Callas!! Please Joan Sutherland explain your disapproving look? And jury enlighten us on your decision. I think as your faithful public we deserve to know.

Tony Goodwin from Evesham
There is a fine line between music and art. Art will move you, but may not be technically correct. The voting is clearly on technically correct performances, yet the Art is the reason why most of us listen to music.

caroline
the Chilean tenor is the best of the whole competition, big voice, quality, all that without major esfuerso. luis olivares has to be the winner of the cardiff

Melanie David from Winscombe, Somerset
I absolutely agree with previous correspondents about the winner of Round 5. I was in the hall and the Korean sang the Verdi better than I have ever heard it. Her emotional involvement was palpable - so different from the artificial emoting of the Italian in concert 1. It was astonishing that the tenor was picked instead - no communication over the footlights despite a pleasant voice (and supposedly communication is THE important factor). I was dumbstruck that Ha Younglee did not even get into the final and am tempted not to attend. The judges are repeating the incomprehensible decisions of 4 years ago when Elina Garanca did not win (even though Barbara Bonney - much missed this year - had said she would jump into Cardiff Bay if Elina was not the winner. Good thing she didn't keep to that!) The judges should really be called to account - there must be other factors than merit influencing their choices. I am tempted not to attend the competition again.

Elwyn Williams, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Contrary to most of your contributors, I sighed with relief when the Korean soprano did not win the Friday night prize. To me opera is a visual as well as an audio medium and if I attended a staged opera with such grotesque over acting as that I would not be able to watch it. Having said that, I was quite surprised when the tenor won. During the week I have really enjoyed some of the East European singers less spectacular but quietly very moving performances

John from Sollihull
I have just seen heat 5 and not believe that Ha Young Lee did not win the heat and is not in the final. I like the judges to justify why they thought a tenor who commumnicated more to the baton of the conductor won over a singer who`s voice and communication will stay in your mind for a long long time. Also I`m annoyed that we won`t see her sing again .Please BBC Could you show Ha Young Lee`s fantastic heat 5 perfomance again ?

Emily Tingle from Bristol
HOW in the NAME OF OPERA was it possible to leave the Korean singer not only out of her section but NOT EVEN IN THE FINAL?It has destroyed my faith in the judges and ruined my enjoyment of the competition.That girl gave the performance of a lifetime and the judges did not even recognise that they had witnessed something very special.I am so terribly angry because I know that nothing will be done about it,and the girl may really not know what an incredible performance she gave us.Please tell her from us all!!

Carole Davies from West Sussex
I would really like to be told by the judges what exactly they are looking for and how they reach their decisions. Are these wonderful competitors given feed-back on their performances or are they left-as we, the audience, are-high and dry, following the bald announcement of the winner for the evening? Why do we, the audience, receive no justification of the judges' decisions? Are they afraid to "stand up and be counted?" Their decision to leave out Ha-Young Lee and include the Chilean tenor in the final should definitely require us to be informed of the criteria by which they are making their -in this case - dubious judgement. We have loved this year's competition. The competitors have shone and our enjoyment has been enhanced by the information we have found on your excellent web-site. Many thanks to all involved. Can't wait for the Final tomorrow. Our money is on the American soprano.

Roderick Gibb from Kilmacolm
I think we shouldn't be too cruel to Luis Olivares Sandoval: he has a wonderful, Domingo-esque voice, and, given time, he'll develop the stagecraft to go with the technique. That said, I thought HaYoung Lee was absolutely sensational. Some years back, there was a Leeds Piano final when all three competitors chose the Rachmaninov 3; surely there would have been no harm in having four sopranos in the final? (Four sopranos plus Andrew!) It may well have meant listening to Mimi and Donna Anna until we were blue in the face but, with singers of this quality, it would be well worth it. This has been a wonderful competition and I'm sure all 24 will go on to enjoy great success.

Chris, New York
I understand why everyone seems so distraught that Ms Lee did not win - hers is a truly beautiful sound and she gave it everything she had - but I for one couldn't bear to watch her. Her acting was so over the top, I felt embarassed just watching her (do I look like that when I'm on stage?). When I stopped watching and just listened, it was wonderful, of course. Mr Sandoval was quite stiff, as everyone is pointing out, but still, it's one of the most beautiful natural tenor instruments I've ever heard.

Malcolm Todd from Orpington Kent
Luis Olivares Sandoval showed great emotion when he was announced as the winner of the fifth round. Why is it that when he is singing he shows as much emotion as a plank of wood? Like many other listeners, I feel that Ha Young Lee was robbed. I also greatly admired Lee Bisset, who showed fine acting ability and stage presence, in four very different roles, to go with her beautiful voice. I felt sorry for her being in direct competition with Ha Young Lee. Either soprano would have been a worthy winner of this round. Like amny others, I find the jury's choice inexplicable

Samuel Lewis, Harrogate
I have been watching all week and will be at the final on Sunday, Petroc Trelawny has done a fantastic job at presenting each concert heat on BBC4, why is it though that the final will be presented by Huw Edwards, whilst I have nothing against Huw as a presenter, it does seem that Petroc is not famous enough to also present the final as well. On a general note all the singers this year have been wonderful, one sad thing is that the German Bass Patrick Schramm did not get to sing, he has a very solid voice and musicality that I am sure would have secured his place in the final.

Trude Hickey from Oxfordshire
Thank you BBC for giving us hours of pure joy this week. I have watched and listened with total absorbtion and find it difficult to choose a winner, but I hope Andrew Kennedy is in good voice for the final, his musicality was outstanding and he would be a worthy winner.

Richard Andrews, Leeds
There seems to be a pretty massive consensus that Ha-Young Lee should have won her round, and perhaps even the whole competition. So this is just to add one more voice to the overwhelming majority. It's difficult to say more without simply repeating everyone else's comments. Here at home,we felt that she leapt directly into our emotions even through the TV screen, and that the voice was easily of the same standard as her dramatic delivery. Goodness knows what it would have been like if we had been there. We don't understand the judges at all.

Steve Silverman from Essex
I was shocked that the Korean soprano Ha-Young Lee neither won her heat nor was selected for the final. Yes, the Chilean has a drop-dead gorgeous lyric tenor voice, a technique that allows him to do whatever he wants with it, and great musical instincts. But no communication at all. Nothing. Zilch. The Korean had voice and technique in abundance, but also gave more of herself than possibly any of the other competitors. In "Sempre libera" she nailed every nuance of Violetta's dilemma. It was almost cathartic. I've thought that Nicole Cabell will take the prize since the first note of her heat, but Ha-Young Lee would have given her a far better run for her money than Sandoval.

Roy Sladdin from Bradford, West Yorkshire.
On nights 1 to 4 of the competition I have agreed wholeheartedly with the judges winning choices. But oh dear what went wrong on the findal night. The Korean soprano was superb, OK she writhed around a lot, but what a voice, what passion, what commitment and communication with the audience, both in the hall (which was obvious from the reaction) and in the home where even we, in our house, unaffected by the atmosphere in the hall were so thrilled and moved by this awe inspiring performance. Then the shock, the prize was awarded to the Chilean tenor. Yes, he had a good voice, but with little emotion, involvement or communication. The jury should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Here we have with this Korean star, a new Dame Joan Sutherland. Very nice to see Dame Joan in the audience, I wonder what her opinion is, would she have awarded the prize to the Chilean. Wonderful feast of music though, despite this criticism. Hope the jury make the right decision on Sunday.

Doreen renham from Wokingham
How I and my husband agree with lots of your viewers' comments on the choice of the winner of the 5th heat. I adore La Traviata and we were both stunned at the performance of Ha-Young Lee. How the judges could have picked the Chilean tenor, we just do not know, and the fact that she was not chosen to be one of the finalists on Sunday is beyond our comprehension. Having said all that we have thoroughly enjoyed every evening's programmes and are very much looking forward to the final on Sunday.

RICHARD WIGGINS SHOREHAM BY SEA
I have watched it all since it began, But Friday night baffled this Sussex man. Prejudice seems to have won that night Petroc bring the jury to account - alright!!! With every final I became aquainted, But 2005 for me will be tainted, Please don't let the Chilean have that cup He sang like he'd never woken up. I hope it will be the Kiwi's day, And things will go the New Zealand way, A country to my heart that's dear And well on the way to the real winner - Korea.

Dennis Neil O'Keefe from Welling, Kent.
This is the best quality Cardiff Singer of the World so far - congratulations. I would be interested to know whom the orchestra would vote for. What about balloting them?

Bill and Vera from Southport
Like others, we were dismayed by the decision of Friday's jury in overlooking the extraordinary performance of Ha-Young Lee in favour of the uninspired singing of the Chilean tenor, Could it have anything to do with the fact that 3 sopranos had already been chosen as heat winners?

Sebastian Harcombe. London
I am still apalled, two days on, that the Korean singer was so disgracefully robbed of victory in round 5. You know, so much is said these days about opera being a stuffy and rarified art - and who can blame people for saying it when the most genuinely exciting contestant in years, who managed through her phenomenal guts and committment to have the whole audience rivetted,is given a slap on the wrist for being too passionate,(which is the way I see it). I urge everyone who is as angry as I am to get on the phones and at least get this girl the audience vote and perhaps also to write to the organisers of this competition and request some younger faces in amongt the jury - who might recognise revolutionary talent when they see it, because this kind of failure to reward such ground-breaking performances can only be another nail in opera's coffin.

Julian Saipe from London
Did anyone notice Joan Sutherland's reaction to the Korean soprano's performance of Violetta. She didn't look too pleased - presumably she felt (as the jury probably did too) that the young soprano, despite her obvious vocal and dramatic gifts, oversang and overacted! This was a thrilling performance but dangerous singing which could cause the soprano vocal harm in years to come - the Chilean tenor's beautiful tone and technical ease obviously impressed the judges, however, what about the fabulous rendition of Aleko's Cavatina by the Lithuanian bass-baritone - a burnished and noble sound with real expressive qualities! V.surprised the Chilean tenor made it to the final.

Hilary from Jesmond
It's been good to have a longer programme on BBC4 and all the singers have been of an extremely high standard. I sometimes wonder how the judges choose which one wins! Is this the first final in which all the round winners have appeared? Usually there is at least one who is 'bumped out' by a singer who did not win their round and in at least 2 cases that person has gone on to be the overall winner. I do have the same complaint as last time however. Who, if they are working, can listen to the Song Prize concerts at lunchtime? I wouldn't mind they were available in listen again online but they are not. We miss out hearing the full range of what the artists can do. I suppose at least we get to see the final on BBC 4 in a few week's time. Congratulations Andrew. By the way did you realise that someone gave the game away as to who won the final round and who was in the final, way before last night's broadcast? It kind of spoilt the excitement. Looking forward to Sunday - it looks like a brilliant concert and I've no idea who will win!

A;lmos Kovacs from Bournemouth
Ha Young Lee is the undoubted (female) winner of this competition, both vocally and as a performer. She outshines anyone else I have seen in this role in the past 53 years!

Andrew Russell, nr Pershore, Worcestershire
Two points. I find myself increasingly irritated by singers' excessive vibrato - the ladies seem more guilty than the gentlemen - yet I only heard this criticised once all week. Second; rolled "r"s are fine but is the practice now being overdone?

Keith Richards London
I was amazed and disconcerted by the judges' decision at the end of Concert 5. The Korean soprano gave an outstandingly insightful performance of the Verdi aria at the end of a beautifully balanced programme. The Chilean tenor began with a demonstration of how not to sing the Cosi aria (compare Andrew Kennedy in the best performance of the whole week!) and went on to an uncertain rendering punctuated by glances at the conductor. We badly need a session with the jurors.

Kevin Campbell Bristol
I have watched all the heats with great pleasure and completely agreed with the judges' choices for the first four rounds, but think that last night they took leave of their senses. I grant that they know and I don't, and that the sound in the hall is probably different from on my B&O speakers. Ha-Young Lee, I thought, was a creature born to sing and as gloriously equipped to deliver as a nightingale, and what a devastating communicator! I've given her my vote as winner. Luis Sandoval apparently agreed, so thunderstruck was he to be chosen as the winner. I thought he had a slightly unpleasantly harsh voice, was a bit wooden, but very competent. I preferred Gaston Rivero. A singer whose voice I absolutely could not abide was Koleishvili. I could not tell from moment to moment what note he was on, so wide was his wobble,like a HGV idling... a staggering voice, one might say, but an unacceptable stagger. As regards Andrew Kennedy, at last we have an English tenor with a good light chest voice and total competence. Apart from those points I have nothing but praise for the competition. I was particularly pleased by the adventurous choices of programmes...so many items I'd never heard before.

A Gilchrist from London
Disgusted and appalled that the Korean soprano did not win the 5th concert. Such technically assured, committed singing deserved the prize - the result messed up my evening! Big raspberry!!!

Michael Outlaw from Shanklin, Isle of Wight
I have watched every Cardiff Singer broadcast from the very beginning in 1983, though I have not been able to listen to the song contest recitals this time around, and I have often disagreed (quite amicably!) with the judges, but I have never felt so violently at odds with them as I did tonight. Ha Young Lee gave a quite superlative performance. Apart from Nicole Cabell, she is the only singer this year who has really made me sit up in excitement. Her programme was appropriately varied - the naïveté of Manon was beautifully captured by voice and facial expression - the emotion of the 'Kaiser von Atlantis' was sensitively portrayed and as for the Traviata - well, I have never seen or heard it better interpreted. All right, it was a mistake to go for the high E flat at the end, which is not in the score, and was not perfect, but the legato line of 'E fors e lui' brought tears to my eyes and this was the very first singer in fifty years of listening to Traviata who has convinced me that there is a true emotional reason for the fireworks of 'Sempre libera'. This was a woman who knew she was 'fallen' and had no hope of finding true happiness. The sense of lost opportunity and desperate search for compensation in a life of pleasure was conveyed in every note. So the gestures and the gyrations were over the top - what of it? This woman communicated Violetta's situation through her singing, like no one has ever done for me before. And whom did the judges choose? A tenor who sang the 'Così' aria with less style than Andrew Kennedy, and the Rossini 'Domine Deus' without a scintilla of the 'joie de vivre' which permeates every one of Rossini's 'little sins of old age'. A beautiful voice is vitally important but not, of itself, enough. The winner gave us that part of himself which he was prepared for us to see - Ha Young Lee gave her all. That is the essence of opera.

Philip Wheeler from Portsmouth
Have just watched the fifth round of the competition and I must say I personally disagree with the jury's winner. My choice was Ha Young-Lee. I have not, in over 40 years of listening to recordings and performances of "La Traviata" seen a performance of "Sempre libera" to match her interpretation. I could sense her joy at finding love and happiness whilst the reality of her fatal illness was a constant threat and reminder of the cruelty of fate. I was truly moved. The Ullman excerpt although much more simplistic musically showed that she could adapt her style to produce a thoughtful and true account of the piece. This singer will certainly go far. Bravo!

Richard Avon South Gloucestershire
Well here we are at the last heat!! As an ex professional singer I have agreed virtually word for word with the comments of those guests this week who are singers but I have to take up the cudgels with tonight's guest, the editor of Opera Magazine. He raved about Lee Bisset but I am afraid I couldn't hear what language she was singing. I didn't hear a single word. All her items were the same bright round, beautiful but meaningless tone. He then 'wrote off the Lithuanian Bass who gave a superb rendition of Leporello's aria, full of contrast, light and shade and just the right sardonic 'servant's humour about his noble boss. He then wittered on about the Verdi aria's score marking's. Pianissimo etc. Well I have heard many fine basses in this role and I have never heard one of them achieve pianissimos in this. This is a fiendishly difficult piece and at his age of 24 to hear that maturity of voice is quite phenomenal and I expect him to enjoy a fine career. THEN we had Ha Young Lee with just about the most exciting Traviata blockbuster I have ever heard! This HAD to be the winner. Particularly When Louis Sandoval's first two numbers went past without really noticing them. He didn't seem to be involved in them at all but obviously a good tenor voice. THEN his Romeo! and he burst into life with almost Caruso like tones. He HAD to be the winner! SO I have agreed with the judges every night this time. The first time EVER! And I also think I agree with the final five although I would like to have heard the Hawaian Quinn Kelsey again. For me he had exceptional beauty of tone and a uniqe individuality of voice that is very rare but he was let down by his operatic choice which didn't suit him. SO the overall winner? Well it will all depend on choice of repetoire and form on Sunday but without doubt amid the golden perfomances to date the DIAMOND is Nicole Cabell. I have not heard such perfection of technique allied to beautiful tone and superb diction and musicality for a LONG time. But I would be happy for Daria Masiero or Andrew Kennedy both of whom showed quite exceptional musicallity. I wish all the finalists GOOD VOICE for Fiday. I think we are in for a very special night!

will carmarthen
can we please have some explanation from the jury as to how they have reached their decision.i think a lot of people (including most of tonight's audience and the expert commentators it appeared) will be baffled by their preference for the chilean tenor over the korean soprano and the latter's failure to make the final

HENRY - WELSHPOOL
Ha Young Lee Is the Cardiff Singer of the World after a performance like tonights .I`m afraid the panel is just too stuffy and conventional if they can`t see how exciting and fantastic she is . A tenor won it with a great voice and no presence and communication. He`s ten a penny - she`s an original.Competition less exicting now she`s gone.

Heather & Paul Buckingham from Coleshill, Warks
We were astonished by the result of this evening's round! The Korean soprano was clearly the best performer of the evening and possibly of the entire competition. We have heard the aria from La Traviata many times but were completely transfixed by her performance tonight. The tenor had a wonderful voice but no engagement with the emotion behind the songs he was singing. We're sure he will do well as one of the Three Tenors but the Korean soprano had an intensity to her singing which was amazing. It was an "edge of the seat" moment and we wonder whether the judges had left the building whilst she was singing.

Gareth Evans from Manchester
I was thinking how well my thoughts accorded with the jury’s until Friday night. I did not much mind Luis Olivares Sandoval (Chile) winning – not a passionate performance but a lovely voice - but I am at a loss how the wonderfully exciting Ha-Young Lee did not make the final. Reading the earlier comments on the site, I may be in a minority here, but I would have happily exchanged her classy and youthful sound for the more knowing Wendy Dawn Thompson. I’d go with the rest of the jury selection but Lee was definitely in my top 3 and Thompson did not make my top 5.

valerie lock aylesbury
Cardiff Singer of the World is one of my favourite events- so much talent- such variety. But was absolutely gutted that the wonderfully warm performance and beautiful voice of Ha-Young Lee didn't get her into the final- she delighted the ear and won the heart. Were the judges present when she sang?

Jan James from Ledbury
Generally, an incredibly high standard of singing this year, though I agree with earlier comments about the fact that several competitors seem almost too polished and experienced already.

Linda, London
I cannot belive that Ha-Young Lee has not made it into the final. She was by far the most moving of all the performances so far, as well as having a good balanced programme including something well known and something unknown and more challenging.

Jen Pedley, STOCKPORT
Disappionted in tonight's result. Would have had the tenor third. Loved both the sopranos and am surprised neither made the Final

John Kaduwanema from Birmingham
I have enjoyed this year's competition. I am particularly that there are some bel canto singers of the "old school" who are comming up and hopefully will carry on the tradition of Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland. However, I was outraged by tonights decision(Friday). I can not understand for the life of me why Ho Young-Lee did not win or get through to the final! Her violetta was amazing and I could even see Joan Sutherland flabbergasted in the audience. What were they thinking?

keith Bridgewater West Midlands
If Ha Young Lee does not reach the final - then the competition isn`t worth watching anymore - she was so exiciting - and what a voice .Astonishing . Contests need singers like her who take risks and go for it !! Well Done . I`d pay good money to see her . Thanks Ha Young Lee you were amazing .

Bam Kropman from Amsterdam, Holland
Now that all concerts and recitals have taken place in which much singing could be enjoyed, I am eagerly awaiting the final choice of the juries. The most striking voice and personality to me is the mezzo-soprano Wendy Dawn Thompson, who brings back the memory of joy, naturalness and honesty (which are so essential in singing) of the great Dame Janet Baker. It was and still is a most pleasant event in Cardiff. Good luck to all the finalists!

Anne West Sussex
i have been riveted by the standard of this years competition. I am surprised that no one else has commented on the absolutely thrilling song recital of Sergeje the latvian Counter Tenor.It was so exciting in its beauty originality and wit that i pulled up my car to listen intently. His main recital was not so good and i found myself agreeing with Michael Chance that he needs to learn to trill an essential for Handel repertoire.Please include Michael more often I found his commentary the best of the week and exactly right for this great competition.I think Wendy Dawn could pip them all on the night. Beautiful natural sound!

Jane Harris, Newcastle upon Tyne
Nocole Cabelle was brilliant last night - what a treat to have Bellini brought out and dusted to a aparkle again! And in such company - Dame Joan and Marylin Horne - if only there were more bel canto hopefuls. To think of all those fabulous roles,Elvira, Amina, Beatrice, Norma, Adalgisa ...It's made me get out my CDs of the two Divas to hear them flashing up and down those scales and I have come to the conclusion that they should have a hazard warning - do not drive, operate machinery or generally try to think while playing them - too dangerous and intoxicating. A little goes a long way, pure distillations of ecstacy. Thank you for reminding me that such operas are still inexistence. Thank goodness atleast that we still have a fair sprinkling of Mozart and Rossini in the competition. I'm thoroughly enjoying it. By the way - what happened to Semiramide, Ermione etc.? Perhaps next time.

George Hanson from Welshpool, Powys
Whilst I am enjoying the competition, and the eclectic choice of repertoire, I feel the standard is not as high as in previous years. There seems to be a lack of the 'tingle' factor except for a few singers. There also appears to be quite a few empty seats.

Peter Landers Newport
I find the decisions of the jury very difficult to understand. Sitting in the hall and the New Theatre I have found most of the results baffling and so I would welcome a clear explanation of what criteria the judges use in their difficult task. I have enjoyed all the heats and heard a lot of fine singers and, I think, in Wendy Dawn Thompson, a singer with a big future. One final pointPhilip Thomas's fashion sense is a joy to behold both on stage and in the bar!!?!

Sara from Bangor, N.Wales
Wow!! how amazing is Nicole?!?! NICOLE 2 WIN! Go 4r it girl! I wish you all the best, and even if you dont win i think America should be extremely proud that they have the next big Superstar in the world of Opera! Amazing and a joy to watch something fresh for a change! all the best, sara xx

Frances Reilly, Newmains, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Why does Petroc keep referring to the singers' programmes as their 'set', as if they were taking part in a pop concert. It is not Madonna you are introducing. This is probably part of trying to make the broadcasts more accessible to new viewers, who might not be familiar with orchestras and operatic arias. This is not necessary. You underestimate the viewing public.

dave saunders, penylan, cardiff
I'm torn between Wendy Dawn and Nicole - both stand out for their precocious artistic maturity and independent taste. I'm grateful to Wendy for reminding me so powerfully of Mahler's boundary-breaking work, though her concert set did confuse me in its lieder bias. Nicole, especially with Gian Carlo Menotti's Old Maid and the Thief, genuinely broadened my own emotional and musical range of experience and if only for this reason I'm hoping that enough others will feel the same when it comes to the final vote. With thanks to all involved with Cardiff Singer, not least the background boys and girls giving us this website, Yours truly Dave Saunders

Herman Smith from Ledbury
Congratulations on a splendid competition. So far almost all of the singers have revealed exceptional talent and a maturity that often belies their artistic youth. For once I have found myself concurring with the jury's verdict every evening (previous competitions have often had me squirming with frustration). I have also found the comments of the 'pundits' (as Michael Chance described himself) echoing my own conclusions almost to the letter, which is gratifying. Of the two orchestras, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales plays with notable polish and attention to detail, and I am glad that it is this orchestra that will play for the final. My only gripe is that a programme of this quality, technical and artistic, has been relegated to the arctic wastes of BBC4, when the BBC should surely have the courage to challenge the ratings and allocate it a prime slot on the national terrestrial network, thus enabling it to be enjoyed by that wider public currently denied access because of geographical location. This is the sort of programme the BBC should regard as a flagship. It is what the BBC does best, and ultimately it what the BBC is for. The contrast with the pathetic rubbish that calls itself the Eurovision Song Contest could not be more striking.

Ian Osborne, Bristol UK
I didn't agree with the choice of winner for round 4. I'm not a singer, but it seemed to me Wendy Dawn was brilliant at the top of her voice, but came out a bit breathless lower down. I enjoyed Irina the best, purely because she has a sort of mellifluous coating to her voice. (Highly seductive!) I thought the comments towards her by Petroc's colleague were a bit harsh.

peter from Saffron Walden
me again - but New Zealand has given us the true successor to Sena Jurinac - it would be worth a jpourney to New Zealand to hear her. That wonderful "musik is eine heilige Kunst" I hear Sena over more than 40 years - and now we have at last a real Composer again

Richard Avon South Gloucestershire
Thursday! Well after last night I thought we might be in for an anticlimax and in many ways we were. Totally competent perfomances but ordinary. The Bass has a magnificent instrument but needs more variety of tone colour in such long arias to make them interesting but a wonderful Russian sound and he will have no difficulty in finding a career. The Soprano at number three looked lovely and had some wonderful sounds particluarly in the Verdi which really suited her but she is let down by her extreme top which is two white and open but there is huge promise here if she finds the right teacher. The Danish Tenor was very pleasant , no more and I was thinking there is no finalist here tonight and then my interest was aroused by the early low flexibility from New Zealand. I enjoyed her Mahler and THEN the Composer's aria - SUBLIME Here was tonight's winner without a shadow of doubt and personally, so far, I would place the first three night's winners in the final with a toss upbetween tonight's winner and last night's mezzo with the probabilty of New Zealand. BUT there is always tomorrow. AND I'm delighted I shall be able to hear the final of the song contest on Saturday! One small criticism for the producer. Why the irritating panned shots on Cardiff Singer then zooming back to the hall? Did you honestly think ANYONE listen in did not know full well what they were watching? Very irritating!

Jeremy Coote from Oxford
I am enjoying this year's competition as thoroughly as usual, but agree that - paradoxical as it may sound - the standard is maybe too high. Nicole Cabell is an absolute star, but I wonder whether Cardiff needs such stars as much as they need Cardiff. What I really want to say, however, is that I trust that this year the broadcast of the final will take in the most moving singing of the whole week when the contestants, the judges, and the audience join together to sing the Welsh national anthem. I am not Welsh myself, but I have always found the singing of the anthem at the end of the final programme a very moving experience. Please do not finish the broadcast early this year.

Steve Morrissey, Brighton
I agree with everyone about Nicole Cabell, a future superstar as long as she's careful which I think she will be. Currently watching the Moldovan soprano who I think should also have a great career. I feel however that too many of this years singers have serious problems with intonation. The Georgian bass sang Mozart consistently off the note, the Serbian Mezzo last night had the same problem. The Polish singer on the first night should not have been in this competition and the greek singers' decoration was tasteless in the extreme. The English and Uruguayan tenors both showed huge promise.

Zeba from Brussels
I've been watching the Cardiff Singer of the World competition on and off for nearly twenty years: the last competition that I thought was as memorable as this one was the Terfel/Hvrostovsky sing off. Two quibbles: apart from Andrew Kennedy (whose Lensky was superb), the tenors are all going for the Gounod Romeo aria which is a disappointing piece - is there no way of discouraging competitors from churning out the same repertoire? I'm aware that they've trained and practised the arias they believe suit their talents best for this competition, but surely the programme producers could encourage a little more variation? And the second quibble I have is that at one time, Cardiff was about finding quite raw, new talent. However all this year's finalists seem to be polished performers with substantial careers well underway. In a way it ensures an absolutely world-class standard of entertainment, but in another way, it seems merely to be rubber-stamping talents which really require little more pushing. Nicole Cabell is going to emerge as an operatic superstar whether she has anything to do with this competition or not. However, I am sure that there are extremely hard-working, deserving opera singers, lower down the rungs, more recently out of music college for whom participation in this contest would be make a world of difference. I am not suggesting lowering the bar in terms of ability, but in experience.

Jane Harris, Newcastle upon Tyne
Nicole Cabell was brilliant last night - what a treat to have Bellini brought out and dusted to a sparkle again! And in such company - Dame Joan and Marylin Horne - if only there were more bel canto hopefuls. To think of all those fabulous roles,Elvira, Amina, Beatrice, Norma, Adalgisa ...It's made me get out my CDs of the two Divas to hear them flashing up and down those scales and I have come to the conclusion that they should have a hazard warning - do not drive, operate machinery or generally try to think while playing them - too dangerous and intoxicating. A little goes a long way, pure distillations of ecstacy. Thank you for reminding me that such operas are still in existence. Thank goodness atleast that we still have a fair sprinkling of Mozart and Rossini in the competition. I'm thoroughly enjoying it. By the way - what happened to Semiramide, Ermione etc.? Perhaps next time.

G from warwickshire
I am absolutely rivited to this years competition . I have so far picked out the winner of rounds 1,2 and 3 but without a shadow of a doubt, the American Soprano Nicole cabell is a huge star and will be hard to beat. Unless a singer of equal standard comes up with the goods, you are looking at the 2005 Cardiff Singer of the world. Nicole had a wonderful rich well produced sound which was full of warmth , spot on technique and great communication. She looks so elegant with a great face for the stage. Her only mistake was singing Pamina's aria at a quicker pace than intended. She lost the intensity and vulnerability of the aria. The Bellini moved me to tears. The menotti was superbly executed, chrystal clear in notes and diction. What a Singer!!

george hemingway from Warrington
It is a pity we cannot give them all a prize as the entertainment value is without parralel. Thank them all for me!

Richard Avon South Glos
WOW and MORE WOW!!!!!! Nicole Cabell!!!! A SUPER STAR is born. She had the presence of Maria Callas with a much more beautiful voice and matchless vocal technique. Even though her Mozart didn't quite gell the Bellini and Menotti were so superb the hairs were up on the back of my neck after the first two bars and they stayed there! Early in the Bellini I picked her as the overall winner of the comepetition and there will have to someone quite out of this world over the last two rounds to make me change my mind. Having been privileged to have heard many of the world's greatets singers at Covent Garden since the fifties I have heard NONE who have given me more pleasure. But WHAT a standard overall! This MUST be the vintage year! I'm only sorry I can't make the lunchtime concerts. But WHAT pleasure this week is turning out to be among the average tawdriness of television programmes. In passing also a potentially very exciting tenor BUT still only potentially.

Ann Roberts from Llandudno
This,for me, is the highlight of televiosn broadcasting, but I am very disappointed that the song competion is on radio only, and the main competition is only available for those fortunate to have the facility. There is so much rubbish on T.V.these days, that it is ab out time everyone had the opportunity to see real talent and commitment. Good luck to all!

peter from saffron walden
I wonder why no competitior in the Lieder concerts has chosen a Lied by Hugo Wolf - surely after Strauss the greatest of his generation - too dificult or too little known ?

Deanna Leboff from Brecon
Having now been to three concerts, I entirely agree with Richard Avon in his appraisal of Daria Masiero. It wasn't that her choice of arias was popular, but that she brought an emotional intensity to them that was overwhelming. That, combined with a glorious voice of richness and depth, makes her a worthy finalist. I was very disappointed that Amanda Echalaz did not win the Monday concert -or (in my opinion, a close second) Marie-Josee Lord. However, I wonder how much ones reactions are influenced on where you sit in the hall. My seat is on the extreme right, and I revised my rather adverse opinion of the tenor when I watched the recording on television. Maybe the accoustics are to blame for some comments by the audience. However, No quibbels about choosing Nicole Cabell - a worthy winner on Tuesday. I can't wait to hear her in the recital final. I'd also love to hear more of the mezzo Ivana Dimitrijevec. I wonder what tonight and Thursday will bring ...........

Lisa Masterson, Cardiff
Howard Reddy Ireland deserves a huge well done on his song round. Great. Looking forward to hearing it on Radio 3 and the expert comments.

earl, edinburgh
Song Round - Tuesday 14. Howard Reddy was wonderful. We really heard this voice. Different completely from his orchestra round when he obviously didn't show what a great voice this is. I would just love to hear this singer again with orchestra. This is a real talent !

Tony Weedon from North Somercotes, Lincolnshire
Cardiff Singer is always a joy. So what a shame it is that the BBC has seen fit to allow large countries such as the USA to have two entrants. Large countries are not allowed to field two teams for the Olympics; so why is this allowed for Cardiff Singer of the World? The rules should be changed back to what they used to be.

Judith Wilson from Norwich
I have always watched the competition on BBC2 - this year I was very disappointed to find all the rounds on BBC4 - unavailable to those without digital - particularly considering some of the poor quality programmes now on BBC2!

peter from Saffron Walden
What a wonderful lot of young singers - at last also a lyric tenor of great promise. Pity that selection of one aria from a twentieth century piece is not compulsory

Robert Medcraft - Cardiff
What a round!!! Excellent singers with great programme's from each competitor. I must admit I was a little dissapointed by the panels decisions in rounds one and two but they came up trumps picking Nicole Cabell. Her stage presence was immense and her voice truly suited the three chosen pieces. A true performer that deserved tonights trophy. However - congratulations are also in order for Australia and Serbia for adding to the enjoyment. Well Done Nicole - you have a bright future ahead of you. Good luck Wales for tomorrow evening.

Ian Osborne, Bristol
One of the highlights I thought, was the little solo violin piece in the Glinka (Ruslan & Lyudmila). Twenty-five singers, but thoughts for the musicians also, especially Simon Lewis, (I think his name was), who played it. Absolutely entrancing. Play it again, Simon.

Richard Avon South Glos
Tuesday Night WOW!! WHAT a standard this year so far and once again the judges got it absolutely right! Andrew Kennedy sounds totally right as an Italian lyric tenor in the Mozart. His Lensky's aria was totally superb and then in his final piece in the modern 'voice challenging style' every word was crystal clear and this most difficult piece was bursting with panache and style. A world class perfomance. I was also most impressed with the Hawaiian baritone in his two songs but felt he had made a wrong choice for him in Vision Fugitive. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Fifi
In response to Sweepstaker, what we did in our sweepstake was that the person who'd drawn Spain took responsibility for the Polish reserve who replaced him. Now of course Germany has withdrawn, so whoever drew him in the sweep has lost out. That's just the luck of the draw...

Martyn Jones from Newport
Have been to every competion since Guan Yang won. I have picked every winner from every heat and final correctly until Concert Two on Monday 13th July. The standard was indeed very high in this concert whereas in Concert One on Sunday it was comparatively low. I would have liked Andrew Kennedy to have sung more Handel or Mozart because his voice was ideally suited to these composers being a lyric tenor and his voice really is not the territory for Berlioz. I am surprised by the judges' decision but felt that his first aria and his overall stage presence is what stole it for him. In my opinion he has a fine voice but should stick to what he does best

Sweepstaker, from Las Vegas
With the withdrawal of the Spanish contender, your "Sweepstake Kit" is a bit unfair on the person who draws "Spain" -- absolutely no chance of winning! And should the Polish contender win, no one using the Sweepstake Kit will be able to claim the prize. Time for a quick edit, I think...

G Roberts from Derby
I enjoyed Andrew Kennedy and Quinn Kelsey too. When I turned on the radio and heard Andrew Kennedy I thought to myself "that is how you sing lieder", and the repertoire Quinn Kelsey chose really suited his voice. I enjoy singing Lieder myself, although I am not a professional - Schubert and Berlioz particularly 'hit the spot' for me.

Philip Gormley from Magherafelt (Co. Londonderry,
This question of the difference between Lieder and Operatic singing. The fundamental tools of the singer's trade, namely their singing technique, are the same no matter what they sing. Operatic singing of certain periods, eg the Romantic period, is as much "word-driven" as is the singing of art-songs - the singer must "sell" the value of the words to us, be they by Schubert or by a Donizetti/Verdi.Operatic interpretation on the stage, if carried out with care to let the voice play its part properly, needs to be as cautious as the proper interpretation of Lieder. As witness, the Opera School Wales "Anna Bolena" this year - a splendid example of sensitive, cultured Operatic production. (For the record, I've studied singing for 29 years with a most demanding Irish teacher) "Rath De ar an Obair" - (Irish)"God's Luck to the work" of all your performers. I love this competition - to "get out of my (singing and voice criticism) closet for a lovely week!!

Phil Storry, Cefn y bedd
How disappointing that the singer with the most populist programme but not the best voice won the first round.

Richard Avon South Glos
As usual and as an ex professional singer I was RIVETTED throughout tonight. I congratulate you on concentrating on the singers this year without all the nauseating back stage fill in which in my opinion has marred previous years. The standard was extemely high tonight, though the baritone has developed an alarming wobble. The same thing happened to me at his age and I changed my teacher and eradicated it. He would do well to consider this. I don't always agree with the judges but tonight they were spot on. After the second and third peformers both set a very high standard the winner tonight, Daria Masiero, was HEAD AND SOULDERS above them because she was completely in the character of each aria and gave a full stage performance which was deeply moving with plenty of variation of tone colour and dynamics. My favourite recording of Boheme is the Beecham one with Bjorling, Merril and De Los Angeles. Tonight's Mimi was certainly the equal of De Los Angeles who delighted me in many live perfomances. I look forward to the rest of the week as an OASIS in TV viewing standing out amongst SO MUCH rubbish which appears week after week. Incidentally in the Bryn Terfel year (1989)I picked the Russian Dimitry as the eventual winner as he sang the opening sustained note of Ombra mai fu, his first song in his first round. I've always been proud of that! Tonight's lady will be VERY HARD to beat!

Bam Kropman from Amsterdam, Holland
Just having heard the first Song Recital of the competition on BBC Radio 3 I once again strongly realized that Song/Lied/Mélodie is an art in itself and is needing different criteria in judging a singer/performer. Not being a professional myself, but knowing the song repertoire inside out by listening to it for more than 40 years, I dare to say that sheer Heart counts with me for 20%. Of course followed by the quality of the voice. Technical resilience, interpretation as well as musicianship also rank high. Words, general linquistics and the shaping of a phrase; oh, there is so much to it to sing a Song. In this first recital I really enjoyed the American baritone Quinn Kelsey a lot, as well as the tenor Andrew Kennedy from England. Their singing made me sit down and listen to the stories they had to 'tell'. Looking forward to hear the other 14 singers.