The Wilhelmsen Opera Studio for Young Singers (WOYS)
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, Talent Norway and Shipowner Tom Wilhelmsen’s Foundation are launching a new opera studio for young singers who have recently completed their opera education and are on the threshold of a professional career. WOYS is founded and artistically managed by Opera Director Randi Stene.
From 2024, the studio will play a central role in the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Every second year WOYS will recruit 4–6 singers who will be full-time salaried employees with the Norwegian National Opera for two seasons. Age limit of singers entering the studio is 32 years.
The young singers will perform minor roles and cover positions in Norwegian National Opera productions on the Main Stage and will have their own recitals, as well as larger roles and an annual production on the Second Stage, where they will be working with professional directors and conductors. They will be receiving instruction in singing, language, drama, dance, body image, ensemble singing, recitative singing, mental training, opera history and interpretation.
Five singers admitted (of nearly 800 applicants)
These five singers will attend the Opera Studio:
Sandra Bendrik, soprano (Swedish)
Laura Mayer, mezzosoprano (Danish)
Markus Bjørlykke, tenor (Norwegian)
Rory Green, baritone (British/Irish)
Johannes Nikolai Aas, bass (Norwegian)
Head of The Wilhelmsen Opera Studio for Young Singers is Anne-Margrethe Dahl. The Norwegian/Danish soprano was employed at The Royal Danish Opera 1999–2016, and was director of the Opera Academy in Copenhagen for many years. She has a broad experience as a singing teacher.
For questions, please email: WOYS@operaen.no