Spring conference in Amsterdam

Our spring conference in Amsterdam marks an exciting departure for Opera Europa. This time, we place artists firmly at the heart of our discussions — a timely and intentional shift for a network more often focused on administration. The context could not be more fitting: the conference takes place during Dutch National Opera’s Opera Forward Festival, a celebration of new opera and bold artistic thinking.

We are pleased to announce Vasco Mendoça and Barrie Kosky as our keynote speakers, bringing their distinctive artistic voice and international perspective to the conference. We are also delighted to welcome composers Alexander Raskatov, Michel van der Aa, and Susie Self, alongside stage directors Ted Huffman, Tobias Kratzer, and Annilese Miskimmon, all of whom combine artistic practice with leadership roles as General or Artistic Directors. They will be joined by librettists Gable Roelofsen and Stefano Simone Pintor, both with directing and performing backgrounds, offering first-hand creative perspectives throughout our discussions.

Among the highlights is Theory of Flames, an innovative new work with music and libretto by Michel van der Aa, followed by the world premiere of Requiem for Mariza by Meriç Artaç. We are also delighted to feature The Knife of Dawn, composed by Hannah Kendall with a libretto by Tessa McWatt, a powerful piece exploring resistance and resilience.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to attend Philip Glass’s atmospheric Les enfants terribles, performed by talented young artists from De Nationale Opera Studio.

Beyond these central performances, the conference offers further possibilities, including The Opera Circus, a spirited pasticcio of Händel arias presented by Opera2Day; The Song Project, a collaboration between the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, DNOB, young composers, and singers from the Dutch National Opera Academy; and at the Muziekgebouw, Harvest, featuring works by Calliope Tsoupaki, Annelies van Parys, and Rob Zuidam.

The conference will also host the General Assembly on Friday 13 March at 11.45. The detailed agenda can be found here.

Places are limited, so I encourage you to register soon and secure accommodation for what promises to be an inspiring and innovative Opera Europa gathering.

Register here