About me
Iris Candelaria (1995) is a Finnish/Spanish soprano who graduated from the Sibelius Academy Opera program under the tutelage of Annika Ollinkari in 2022.
Iris’ opera roles in the Sibelius Academy's opera program include Suzel in Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz, The Bear in Uljas Pulkkis' All the Truths We Cannot See: A Chernobyl Story, Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte, Miss Wordsworth in Benjamin Britten's Albert Herring and Servilia in Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito.
She frequently performs with the Helsinki-based interdisciplinary cultural group Eloa. In the summer of 2020 Iris performed in a recital with pianist Matleena Nyman at Helsinki fest, which was broadcasted on Finnish National Broadcasting company YLE.
In 2019 Iris Candelaria won the 1st prize in the prestigious Timo Mustakallio competition. In 2021 she won the audience award in the Havets röst competition.
The Selim Eskelin, Wegelius, Arts Promotion Centre Finland and the Sibelius Academy foundations have generously supported Iris Candelaria’s studies.
"Iris Candelaria conquers as Suzel with her radiant, beautiful and lyrical soprano."
Hannu-Ilari Lampila, HS 8.5.2021
"The stage is full of apt satirical characters. Iris Candelaria was a blushing school mistress who looks like a dancing musical theater star."
Hannu-Ilari Lampila, HS 22.11.2020
"In a class of her own was Iris Candelaria, who won the Timo Mustakallio award at the Savonlinna Festival. Her voice is above all naturally beautiful, with tones and embellishments that flow without effort."
Elvor Lindström, Nya Åland 25.7.2020