Opera Europa

25/08/2026

A warm welcome to our new member, the Opera Națională Română Iași!

Founded in 1956 as the first public opera institution in Romania's historic region of Moldavia, the Romanian National Opera Iași has grown into one of the country's leading opera houses, bringing opera, ballet and classical music to generations of audiences.

2026 marks a particularly special chapter in its history: on 3 November, the company celebrates 70 years since its inaugural performance, Puccini's Tosca, first staged on that very date in 1956.

Congratulations on this milestone anniversary, and welcome to the Opera Europa community!

17/08/2026

How can extended reality transform the way opera is performed by artists and experienced by audiences? And what new possibilities can immersive digital experiences open up for opera professionals?

These are some of the questions explored by HEAT Project(Hybrid Extended reAliTy), an EU-funded Horizon Europe research project investigating the future of immersive hybrid experiences through extended reality, holographic imaging, multisensory media and social VR.

As part of the consortium, Opera Europa is working alongside research and technology partners to identify the needs of the opera sector and help ensure that the innovative models developed through HEAT are relevant, meaningful and responsive to the realities of opera professionals.

Together, we are exploring how emerging technologies can contribute to new ways of creating, performing and experiencing opera.

11/08/2026

Wherever you’re headed this summer, take the opera route!

OperaVision's podcast series is travelling across 17 European countries, exploring each nation's operatic heritage and vibrant contemporary scene. Along the way, host Sebastian F. Schwarz meets emerging artists finding their voice and renowned professionals whose careers have shaped the world of opera.

Whether you're on a train, at the airport or by the sea, each episode transports you to a new destination, discovering the people, stories and traditions that keep opera alive across Europe.

Start your Opera Road Trip: https://operavision.eu/podcast

02/08/2026

30/07/2026

The European Central Bank has unveiled the proposed designs for the next generation of euro banknotes, and among the cultural icons featured are two names that resonate deeply with the performing arts: Maria Callas on the €5 banknote and Ludwig van Beethoven on the €10 banknote.

A fitting tribute to two artists whose legacies continue to shape Europe’s cultural identity. While these are still proposals, it is inspiring to see opera and classical music at the heart of this European conversation.

Do you think Maria Callas and Beethoven deserve a place on European banknotes? The ECB’s public poll is open until 21 September, and everyone in Europe can vote for their favourite design proposal.

Choose your favorite design here: https://surveys.ecb.europa.eu/10b/neweuro/

22/07/2026

This May, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma hosted the first-ever Opera Europa Young Artists' Programmes Forum as a standalone event, bringing together colleagues from across Europe to exchange ideas on the future of young artist development.

The forum explored how Young Artists' Programmes can strengthen company strategy, foster collaboration, support artists' wellbeing, and help emerging talent thrive beyond their time in a YAP.

The programme also included the Opera Europa Next Generation Recital-Audition, showcasing outstanding singers from Italian YAPs, as well as a memorable performance of Rossini's Tancredi, conducted by Michele Mariotti and directed by Emma Dante.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to three days of inspiring conversations, shared experiences, and new connections. Here's to continuing to support the next generation of opera artists across Europe!

📸 Copyright Fabrizio Sansoni

20/07/2026

Looking back on an inspiring few days in Helsinki!

Opera Europa’s Co-productions joint forum brought together colleagues from our Technical & Production, TechSet, Costumes, Make-up & Wigs, Artistic Administration & Producing, and Dance Forums to explore the many dimensions of successful artistic collaboration.

Through discussions and exchanges across departments, the programme highlighted the expertise, coordination and shared commitment that underpin co-productions and enable artists and organisations to work together across borders.

After productive work sessions, participants had the opportunity to experience performances of Mark Anthony Turnage’s Festen, a co-commission by the Finnish National Opera & Ballet (Ooppera & Baletti) and the Royal Ballet And Opera Covent Garden, as well as the premiere of the ballet Pulssi.

Our thanks to the Finnish National Opera & Ballet for hosting us, and to more than 250 colleagues from over 75 companies who contributed their expertise and perspectives. We look forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration and exchange across Europe!

15/07/2026

A warm welcome to our new member Hyogo Performing Arts Center!

Located in Nishinomiya, between the major cities of Osaka and Kobe, HPAC has been a leading performing arts venue in western Japan since opening in 2005. Home to the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra 兵庫芸術文化センター管弦楽団, it presents more than 300 performances each year across its three auditoriums. Every summer, HPAC presents a new international opera production, a much-loved tradition that has become a highlight of the cultural calendar in the region.

We're delighted to welcome HPAC at such an exciting time, as it prepares to premiere a new production of "Carmen" on 17 July, welcoming 16,000 audience members across eight sold-out performances.
Toi toi toi!

📸 Don Giovanni, 2023 (c)Takashi Iijima/Hyogo Performing Arts Center

13/07/2026

Thinking of applying for the 15th edition of the European Opera-directing Prize?

This edition of the EOP is presented in partnership with Opéra national de Nancy-Lorraine, under the leadership of General Director Matthieu Dussouillez. The winning team will be invited to stage a new production of Janáček's Jenůfa for the company's 2028/29 season.

Here's what you need to know:

→ Information session: 23 September 2026 (registrations open)
→ Application period: 24 September – 1 December 2026
→ Eligibility: Applicants must be 35 or under and must not yet have been engaged to create a new, full-scale production on the main stage of an established opera company.
→ Application: A complete production concept in English.

Interested, or know someone who might be?
Register for our information session and learn everything you need to know before applications open.

Find out more and register: https://opera-europa.org/news/european-opera-directing-prize-15th-edition