Korean baritones win top prizes

ATHENS, Greece, March 21 (UPI) -- Four Korean baritones have swept the top prizes at a world-class opera competition in Greece.

It was the first time ever that Korean vocalists laid claim to all of the top spots in the Maria Callas International Competition that wrapped up Sunday in Athens.

The judges awarded second place to Moon Jung-hyun, 28, third place to Yang Tae-joong, 31, and fourth place jointly to Lee Eung-kwang, 26, and Heo Jong-hoon, the Korea Times said Wednesday. The Grand Prix for men was not given out this year.

Meanwhile, in the women's opera section, Celine Byrne of Ireland won the Grand Prix, followed by Dinara Alieva and Tatiana Trenogina, both of Russia.

The event, started in 1975 to commemorate Greek diva Maria Callas, drew 57 male and female contestants.