International Opera Studio

The International Opera Studio of Oper Köln (Cologne Opera) was founded in 1961 and is the oldest opera studio in the German-speaking countries. Since then it has developed into one of the most important institutions for training young soloists. Up to eight highly talented young singers are given the opportunity to perform under professional conditions alongside experienced stage professionals from Cologne Opera, both in the Childrens Opera productions  and in the major productions. In partnership with the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (HfMT Köln), they receive intensive scenic and musical supervision and are integrated into the opera company. Conductor and pianist Rainer Mühlbach has been in charge of the opera studio as well as the Kinderoper Köln since the 2012.13 season.

In addition to the normal working day of an opera singer, consisting of scenic and musical rehearsals, costume and make-up rehearsals, stage orchestra rehearsals, main rehearsals and dress rehearsals, the members of the opera studio also receive German lessons, movement training and role coaching at the piano from a répétiteur. Masterclasses with important soloists and singing teachers are also organised on a regular basis. The opera studio members regularly take on leading roles in the Kinderoper and supporting roles in the repertoire of the main theatre. For a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years, the members of the opera studio are fully integrated into the operations of Cologne Opera and get to know a major opera house inside out.

The work of Oper Köln International Opera Studio is made possible by the association Freunde der Kölner Oper e.V., which supports six of the singers with scholarships. Likewise, the Ilshin Culture Foundation Seoul supports a further member.