Opera
About the Opera Studio
The International Opera Studio of the Hamburg State Opera offers young singers the opportunity to complement and complete their training within the conditions of a working theatre. During their two-year membership, the Studio members are introduced to the daily work of an opera singer and supported in their individual career planning.
One major part of the programme is their appearance in opera productions of the Hamburg State Opera. Since 2006, members of the International Opera Studio have also presented one opera production of their own every season at the opera stabile. Their artistic education is complemented by coaching sessions on contract law and insights into dramaturgy and marketing, among other subjects.
The partners of the International Opera Studio are the Körber Foundation and the Foundation for the Support of the Hamburg State Opera as well as the J.J. Ganzer Foundation.
The Training
Scholarship & honorarium − +
The members of the Opera Studio receive a monthly grant plus an all-inclusive fee for participating in Hamburg State Opera performances.
Training Objectives − +
The two main objectives of the two-year Opera Studio membership, both equally important, are:
To involve the Studio members in the practical aspects of the work by providing enough knowledge to enable them to understand the requirements of day-to-day opera operations, to assimilate this knowledge. and to put it into practice on a daily basis.
To provide the Opera Studio members with further training, deepening the knowledge gained during their vocal studies, and providing advice/instruction regarding future career opportunities and planning.
Reviewing Progress & Success − +
Membership of the Opera Studio should not be regarded as an extension of college/university training. For this reason it is not possible to conduct any sort of progress or success review in the form of an examination or similar. Instead, Studio members are provided with continuous, personal specialist advice as well as group and individual supervision.
The Opera Studio is integrated into the day-to-day opera operations in general and in particular by taking roles in productions of the Hamburg State Opera. A specific study/rehearsal plan for each individual is worked out and regularly checked and adjusted to the progress the individual is making.
Training Contents − +
Role studies for small and medium roles in Hamburg State Opera productions
Roles in Hamburg State Opera productions (in principle no more than a total of 60 evenings spread over two seasons)
"Cover"- roles in Hamburg State Opera productions (preparation through role studies and participation in rehersals)
Major role studies (aside from repertoire, based on vocal skills)
Master classes (up to five a year)
One-on-one dramatic instruction according to suitability and need
Instruction in dialogue, phonetics, rhythmical movement and improvisation
International Opera Studio Productions − +
Every season the members of the International Opera Studio develope an own opera production. Since 2006 the IOS brings alternately baroque operas and contemporary works on the stage of the opera stabile. Productions as La Calisto, Death Knocks/A Gentle Spirit/Savitri, Les Indes galantes, the double evening Wir sind daheim by Moritz Eggert and Die Komödie auf der Brücke by Bohuslav Martinu, Johann Mattheson's Die unglückselige Cleopatra, Königin von Egypten oder Die betrogene Staats-Liebe, Georg Philipp Telemann's Orpheus as well as the opera Erzittre, feiger Bösewicht for a young audience based on Mozart's Zauberflöte directed by Georges Delnon and under the Musical Direction of Kent Nagano.
Members
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ColinAikins
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N. N.
Admission requirements
& application
Under the artistic direction of Tobias Kratzer, we are looking for a soprano, mezzosoprano, tenor, baritone and bass for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. You can submit your application via our online application portal from the 25th of June 2025 until the 21th of September 2025. Applications by e-mail cannot be processed. On the 21st of September 2025 candidates must be under the age of 30.
In the application portal you can upload videos (AVI or MP4) in addition to your CV (pdf). Alternatively, you can also attach the videos to your CV as YouTube links. We recommend sending 2 to 3 videos. If you are selected for an audition, we will send you an invitation until the 21st of October 2025.
For the audition you have to prepare 3 to 5 arias in different languages from the standard repertoire of your specific voice type. One aria by Mozart and at least on aria in German should be included in the program. The auditions are planned to take place in the second half of November 2025.
Information & contact
Staatsoper Hamburg
International Opera Studio
Artistic direction: Veronique Walter
Musical Direction: Georgiy Dubko
Communication: Marije Roos
Große Theaterstraße 25
20354 Hamburg
opernstudio [at] staatsoper-hamburg.de