International Opera Studio

As the oldest institution of its kind in the German-speaking world, Cologne Opera's International Opera Studio was founded in 1961. Since then, it has developed into one of the most important institutions for young soloists. Up to eight highly talented young singers are given the opportunity to perform as soloists under professional conditions alongside experienced stage professionals from the Cologne Opera, both in the children's opera and in major productions.
Great opera careers began in the International Opera Studio of the Cologne Opera, including names such as Samuel Youn, Alina Wunderlin and Arnheiður Eiríksdóttir or Young Woo Kim, Adriana Bastidas-Gamboa and Kathrin Zukowski. In collaboration with the Cologne University of Music and Dance, the members receive intensive scenic and musical coaching and are integrated into the opera programme. Conductor and pianist Rainer Mühlbach has been the director of the opera studio and musical director of the children's opera since the 2012.13 season. In addition to the day-to-day work of an opera singer, consisting of scenic and musical rehearsals, costume and make-up fittings, stage orchestra, main and dress rehearsals, etc., the members of the opera studio also receive German lessons, movement training and accompaniment. Masterclasses are regularly organised with leading soloists and singing teachers.
 The members of the opera studio regularly take on leading roles in the children's opera and supporting roles in performances on the main stage. For a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, the members of the Opera Studio are fully integrated into the operation and get to know the workings of a large opera house inside out. The work of the Cologne Opera Studio is made possible by the association Freunde der Kölner Oper e.V., which supports six of the singers with scholarships.