Opera, master

Why study here?

The programme, conducted in English, allows you to develop your skills in opera singing under the guidance of the best possible teachers. You will become part of a unique community. The degree will give you the artistic competence to perform on stage and a broad understanding of music. We give you the chance to cooperate with international partners and build global networks already during your studies. 

Content and objective of the programme

As an opera student, you will be part of a tight-knit ensemble of 8 to 12 singers. During your studies, you will participate in four full-scale opera productions featuring an orchestra. You will also take part in one opera production that is performed together with pianists. The operas are performed in their original language. Additionally, you will participate in small-scale operas or opera scenes during your studies.  

The programme consists of ten 6–8-week teaching modules, which are planned and scheduled in advance. The focus of the modules alternates. In some of the modules, you will develop your basic skills and professional competence and become familiar with the material and themes of the upcoming productions., Other modules include a rehearsal period and the actual stage performances. The mandatory thesis project consists of productions and related performances.  

You will work closely with the master’s students in opera coaching at the Sibelius Academy. You will work on the same productions with them and grow as artists together. 

The Sibelius Academy’s opera training is actively involved in international networks, especially the NordOpera network. We cooperate closely with the Department of Vocal Music at the Sibelius Academy. 

You can also choose courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete so-called joint studies that are available to all students. 

New students are admitted based on voice type, which will allow the formation of ensembles capable of staging entire opera performances. This way, we can carry out opera productions using mainly internal recruitment.  

Faculty

Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. Many of our teachers are also renowned performing artists.

In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes internationally esteemed top professionals as guests on a regular basis. Over the years, we have welcomed e.g. Soile Isokoski, Tom Krause, Martin Katz, Karita Mattila, Monica Groop, Jorma Hynninen, Petteri Salomaa, Seppo Ruohonen, Konrad Jarnot and Jaakko Ryhänen as our visitors. 

Doctoral studies

You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies. 

Student ensembles

2023–2025

• Sopranos: Emma Hartikainen, Maija Rautasuo, Leila Saari
• Mezzo soprano: Haven Honermann
• Bass: Martin Iivarinen
• Baritone: Sakari Topi

2021–2023

• Sopranos: Ruut Eleonoora, Marianne Montonen, Emma Mustaniemi, Júlia Pérez Arquillo, Johanna Takalo
• Mezzo sopranos: Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau, Fanny Henn
• Bass baritone: Peter Norris
• Opera coaches: Tuomas Salokangas, Olga Nevalainen

2019–2022

• Sopranos: Iris Candelaria, Manon Gleizes, Maria Turunen, Stella Tähtinen
• Mezzo sopranos: Olivia Kyllönen ja Ruut Mattila
• Tenors: Jasper Leppänen and Tuomas Miettola
• Baritone: Luke Scott
• Opera coaches: Anu Kosonen, Elias Miettinen, Markus Vaara

2017–2019

• Bata Réka, soprano
• Kosonen Anu, opera coach
• Lahti Minna-Leena, soprano
• Lundell Topias, tenor
• McIntosh Rachel, mezzo soprano
• Shaw Isabella, mezzo soprano
• Tikkanen Henri, baritone
• Vaara Markus, opera coaching
• Vänttinen Jussi, baritone

Opera productions

• 2024: Mozart: Marriage of Figaro; Nicolai: Merry Wives of Windsor
• 2023: Menotti: Telephone; Berkeley: A Dinner Engagement; Monteverdi: Coronation of Poppea
• 2022 Pulkkis: All the Truths We Cannot See – A Chernobyl Story (world premiere, cooperation project with Thornton School of Music of University of Southern California); Donizetti: Il Campanello; Rossini: La Gazzetta Mozart: The Magic Flute
• 2021 Puccini: Suor Angelica; Mascagni: L’amico Fritz; Sempre, sempre! Opera scenes and arias
• 2020 Mozart: Così fan tutte; Britten: Albert Herring
• 2019 Händel: Alcina; Offenbach: Soirée Offenbach
• 2018 Mozart: La clemenza di Tito; Britten: The Rape of Lucretia
• 2017: Britten: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Verdi: Falstaff; Sempre, sempre! Opera scenes and arias
• 2016: Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro; Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel and Rautavaara: The Gift of the Magi
• 2015 Rossini – Il viaggio – The Journey to Brussels; The Face of the Night – an evening of French opera; Sempre sempre! Opera scenes and arias
• 2014 Mozart: Così fan tutte; Aho: Frida y Diego (world premiere)
• 2013 Rameau: Les Indes Galantes; Strauss: Die Fledermaus
• 2012 Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro; Menotti: The Consul
• 2011 Kortekangas & Baran: One Night Stand (world premiere)

Opera behind the scenes

Visit IG account updated by Opera students and dive in the world of our opera class!

You might also be interested in:

• Vocal arts
• Opera coaching