Huge congratulations to Dennis Krauß (director/set and costume designer) and Maria O’Herce (choreographer), winners of the 14th edition of the European Opera-directing Prize!
The finals took place at the Grand Théâtre de Genève on 2 October 2025 as part of Opera Europa’s autumn conference. Dennis’ winning concept for Les contes d’Hoffmann will be staged in 2026/27 by Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden, hosts to this latest edition.
in January 2025, we received a grand total of 94 applications for the Prize, each with an original concept for Hoffmann. The teams who applied comprised a total of 260 artists, with 34 nationalities represented. At the semi-finals in May 2025, ten teams presented their concepts to the jury in Wiesbaden, in person, coinciding with the launch for the Internationale Maifestspiele. Then, at last, the four finalists arrived in Geneva to rehearse selected excerpts of Hoffmann in front of the jury.
Congratulations to all finalists: Benedikt Arnold, Franciska Éry, Vivien Hohnholz and their team members.
The jury for the 14th edition was: jury president Barbara Minghetti (Teatro Sociale di Como/Teatro Regio di Parma), representing the host theatre was 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).
The European Opera-directing Prize was founded by Camerata Nuova e.V., who continue to support and co-fund the Prize.
Prize-winner Dennis Krauß said: "To me, this recognition is more than an award – it is a source of courage and inspiration to keep exploring. I am excited to bring my vision to the stage, and grateful for a competition that has been both motivating and deeply supportive.” As was fitting for a final in Geneva, Dennis and Maria celebrated their win with a cheese fondue.
