Sit in on the European Opera-directing Prize semi-finals!
Applications for the 13th edition of the European Opera-directing Prize have closed! 91 creatives from 18 nationalities have sent in 46 concepts for a production of Smetana’s Two Widows, re-imagined to be presented for the first time as a co-production between Birmingham Opera Company, Lviv National Opera and Smetana Litomyšl.
The jury, presided by Barbara Minghetti and gathering Aleš Březina, Karen Stone, Vasyl Vovkun and Richard Willacy, is examining these projects, to bring it down to 10 semi-finalists teams. On the afternoon of 1 April and the morning of 2 April, the semi-finalists are invited to Wiesbaden to present their concept to a professional audience. This open discussion session is also a first, and an opportunity to listen to fresh ideas and discover young directing talent.
Following the semi-finals, Birmingham Opera Company will host the final round next autumn. Four teams will have the opportunity to workshop a scene with soloists, putting them in a true professional context.
The winning production will open in spring 2024, for Smetana’s bicentennial.
