NEUE STIMMEN is the Liz Mohn Foundation’s longest continuously running project. The idea behind it originated in 1987 (at the Bertelsmann Stiftung) and is as relevant today as it was back then: finding the world’s best up-and-coming singers and giving them the chance to gain a professional foothold in the German-speaking world’s unique theatrical landscape.
Access to this dynamic job market, which is strongly influenced by globalization and digitalization, opens up a pathway to national and international careers for young professionals and helps offset the lack of young opera talent in Germany. To that extent, the project also makes a significant contribution to preserving the classical music tradition.
Every other year, the Liz Mohn Foundation organizes worldwide auditions for the NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition and the International Masterclass that takes place the following year. The best performers are invited to participate in the final round in Gütersloh, where they have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to a jury of acclaimed experts, as well as opera house managers, music agents and other opera industry representatives. And they can do so under real-world conditions: before a live audience and accompanied by an orchestra.
High standards promote learning
NEUE STIMMEN offers young opera singers individualized assistance for the next steps in their career. Even during the competition, a jury of international experts provides professional support, as do experienced accompanists and a movement coach. The jury offers each final-round participant the option of having an individual feedback session. Since 2015, moreover, the singers have had the opportunity in Gütersloh to take part in a professionally led workshop in which they learn more about adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and approach as an artist.
A number of finalists are also invited to the International Masterclass in Gütersloh. In addition to vocal technique and musical interpretation, the masterclass curriculum includes physical and mental training, communication and marketing, how to prepare for an audition and how to make contact with agents and theaters.
“Creating Careers”
The NEUE STIMMEN team remains in touch with most of the singers even after the competition and masterclass are over. This is possible, not least, due to our extensive network of international partners, such as:
- Musical agents and agencies
- Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin
- Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Düsseldorf/ Duisburg
- ZDF/ ARTE
- Unitel Classica
- Klassik Radio
- The Opera Studio, Bregenz Festival
- Young Singers Project, Salzburg Festival
- and many more