The Opéra National du Rhin (ONR) first became active in Colmar back in 1972. Two years later, they set up an opera workshop called the Atelier Lyrique aimed at young singers. Building on those foundations, Opéra Studio now offers training for performers, just as its predecessor did. The initiative launched in 2008, reflecting a wish to make a distinction between Jeunes Voix du Rhin (Young Voices of the Rhine: the name initially given to the ONR’s opera training program) and Atelier du Rhin (the former name of theater troupe Comédie de l’Est). Following this split, Atelier du Rhin refocused its activity on theater. The training center for young opera performers found its home within the ONR, adopted the name Opéra Studio, and Vincent Monteil became its Musical Director.
This very specific learning experience takes place in an absolutely unique space: the Manufacture de tabac (tobacco factory). Built between 1862 and 1865, the building served as a warehouse for the storage of tobacco. Despite the name, tobacco was not actually manufactured in Colmar. After the building was requisitioned in 1871 to accommodate the 112th infantry regiment of Bade and then the 14th light infantry battalion of Mecklembourg, it returned to its original purpose to store tobacco from 1923 through 1972, when it was sold to the city authorities. In 1990, the premises became the home of the Théâtre de la Manufacture.
The opera house foyer, known as the Paul Bastide room with a bust of Louis Apffel, whose bequeathed fortune founded the Strasbourg music academy. (2016)Opéra national du Rhin
Vincent Monteil soon structured Opéra Studio around two focus points: training through classes and vocal coaching, and integration into the ONR’s productions.
Alongside this, when Marc Clémeur took over as Director of the ONR in 2009, he expressed a desire to establish in Colmar a center for the production of operas aimed at children, with members of Opéra Studio taking part in the performance, the main purpose of which would be “to talk about opera to young people through young people.”
Greetings of the members of the Opéra Studio (2019)Opéra national du Rhin
While the members of Opéra Studio are indeed incorporated into the productions aimed at young audiences, the ONR’s main productions and their opera hours (a one-hour concert format developed by the ONR) can also act as a springboard for them.
Show of Mouton (2017)Opéra national du Rhin
Recruitment
Candidates tend to apply for this training after completing a Master’s degree in singing. Acting as a bridge between their advanced studies and their professional career, Opéra Studio recruits through a competitive process open to all those aged under 30. With around 250 candidates initially applying, a preselection process takes place based on their applications, after which around 50 people are invited for auditions. Finally, eight singers and two singing coaches are selected for the next season, with the possibility to stay on for a second season.
Training as a singer is different from training as a dancer (which you can find out about in The Daily Lives of the ONR Ballet Dancers). A singing career does not necessarily have to have its roots in early childhood. In fact, it is quite possible for someone to discover a passion or for their talent to be revealed later on. While there are no absolutely essential prerequisites, the ability to play an instrument is a distinct advantage, considering the technical know-how that comes with it.
Show of Marlène Baleine (2019)Opéra national du Rhin
The strengths required to become an opera singer are as follows: have a mastery of your instrument, be hard working, learn to manage your stress, develop your ability to adapt so you can pick things up as you go along, and have not only musical but also theatrical skills.
Day-to-Day Life at Opéra Studio
Once the members of Opéra Studio have been selected for the season, the structure of their days is dependent on the ONR’s various opera productions. To maximize the chances of boosting its members’ careers, Opéra Studio maintains a fairly fast-paced schedule. The Musical Director structures the training around singing classes, language classes (German, French, Italian), theater classes, vocal coaching tailored to each individual, and studies of repertoires based on the needs of the program.
Show of Cendrillon (2015)Opéra national du Rhin
The language classes may seem incidental at such a level, but these young singers come from all over the world. During the 2020/2021 season, their home countries included Germany, Australia, Spain, Italy, France, and Romania.
Show of Blanche Neige (2012)Opéra national du Rhin
Technical Preparation
Three Months Before
The singing coaches plan for each production by implementing the various technical aspects: music theory, elocution, intonation, etc. They support the singers and are in turn personally supported by the Musical Director. Numerous group rehearsals take place to hone their musical preparations before the arrival of the orchestra leader.
Six Weeks Before
Since they take part in the productions of the ONR, the members of Opéra Studio are incorporated into the standard process for creating the ONR’s operas. (Discover the stages involved in creating an opera in Immersion in the production of Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák.)
Personal Preparation
Beyond the technical aspect, each member gets to grip with the upcoming show in their own way. The tools of their trade—their vocal cords—are muscles, so they require special attention. All the young singers agree that a lot of rest, regular warm-ups, and staying well hydrated are essential to the preparation process.
Stage Fright
While technique and preparation are vital, another component enters into the equation in this career: stress. Everyone suffers from it to some degree, but as a general rule singers insist on how important it is for them to be able to focus on a performance in the time leading up to it. Meditation, yoga, and sophrology relaxation techniques are some of the tools they use regularly on the night before or the day of a show. The last few hours before a performance are focused on the technical aspect: reading the score and getting into character so they can take to the stage as calmly as possible.
Career
Opéra Studio is a springboard to a career as an opera soloist. However, living as a self-employed guest performer and constantly having to adapt to productions often pushes these artists to opt for a less hectic pace of life. In the neighboring countries, Germany and Switzerland, the system for opera singers is based on permanent troupes that allow performers to live their life’s passion while also benefiting from stability and a good standard of living.
Show of Blanche Neige (2012)Opéra national du Rhin
There are many obstacles to a successful career as an opera singer: competition, adaptation to the pace of productions, and development of the voice over the course of time. As a result, it is inevitably a career where passion is of the essence.
As such, Opéra Studio acts as quite a springboard, giving members the opportunity to come to terms with these challenges.
As a result, Opéra Studio members can often be seen performing in the ONR’s major productions during their training years. And, after leaving Opéra Studio, they still have the possibility to take to the stage with the ONR as a guest performer.
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