Quoting Virginia Woolf’s famous phrase, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman,” we cannot help but feel honoured to remember the figure of the soprano RINA FEDORA FILIPPINI, Mario del Monaco’s wife and a singing teacher. Those familiar with the life of the great tenor Mario del Monaco are aware of how much this extraordinary woman supported him throughout their lives together, starting with the renunciation of her own career to devote herself entirely to that of her beloved spouse. The Association is proud to name an award after her, providing an additional opportunity for young Opera singers through scholarships established in her name.