Who would want to spend all day in a studio theatre on one of the sunniest days of the year, which happened to be a national holiday too? In fact, when the talent was as exciting as the semi-finalists for the 14th edition of the European Opera-directing Prize, it was no problem at all!
The winners of this edition of the Prize will stage a full production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann on the main stage in Wiesbaden in an upcoming season. For the semi-finals on 1-2 May, the jury gathered in Wiesbaden: president of the jury Barbara Minghetti (Teatro Sociale di Como/Teatro Regio di Parma), representing our host theatre Intendantin Dorothea Hartmann (Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden), plus Chrysoline Dupont (Opéra Comique), Ina Karr (Luzerner Theater), Thomas de Mallet Burgess (Finnish National Opera and Ballet) and Fergus Sheil (Irish National Opera) (Pictured here).
At the semi-finals, the jury met ten teams who represent a total of 35 emerging artists and 12 nationalities. Of course, it was not easy to select four finalists, but the jury did a magnificent job. We’re thrilled to announce the finalists, who are…
• Benedikt Arnold (stage director), with Xandi Vogler and Ella Steinbach (set and costume designers) and Nikita Dubov (dramaturge)
• Franciska Éry (stage director), with Harry Pizzey (set and costume designer) and Mathieu Cabanes (lighting designer)
• Vivien Hohnholz (stage director), with Magdalena Hilpold (set designer), Katharina Oleksinska (costume designer) and Carlotta Rogge (conception and dramaturgy)
• Dennis Krauß (stage director and designer), with Maria O'Herce (choreographer)
The finals will take place at the Grand Théâtre de Genève running up to our autumn conference. Though not open to the public, the finals are a great way for colleagues to discover young creative teams. Each team will work with singers to stage a scene from Hoffmann and discuss their concept with the jury. We encourage colleagues who are interested in giving opportunities to young creative teams to join us for what promises to be an energising, exciting occasion.
We are very grateful to Camerata Nuova e.V., who founded the Prize and continue to be valued sponsors, as well as all supporters of the Prize.
We look forward enormously to the finals. In the meantime, congratulations to Benedikt, Franciska, Vivien, Dennis and all your collaborators!
