Alex Echo creates first-ever Glyndebourne Opera Cup award

It was music to Alex Echo's ears when he was selected to design the first-ever Glyndebourne Opera Cup award, which celebrates the world's most talented opera singers. 

The impressionist painter and sculptor first became involved with Glyndebourne in 2016, when he visited with his young daughter. Inkeeping with his ongoing philanthropy and support of the arts, the following year he gifted three paintings to be auctioned in support of the New Generation Programme, an initiative that promotes artist and audience development. 

In 2017, he was chosen to create the award and thus began a 14-month labour of love. Basing the design around the iconic 'G' of Glyndebourne, he hand-painted and sealed the letter with epoxy resin to give the finished trophy his signature high-gloss finish. He chose polished copper for the back, etched into which is Glyndebourne founder John Christie’s original ethos: ‘Not the best we can do, but the best that can be done anywhere.’

Alex's creation was awarded to the American-born mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey at the nail-biting competition final in March. Visit Glyndebourne's website here to watch the moment she accepted the award.