The Wilhelmsen Opera Studio for Young Singers (WOYS)

The two projects, the Wilhelmsen Opera Studio for Young Singers (WOYS) and Wilhelmsen Ballet Academy, are being supported by Talent Norway and Shipowner Tom Wilhelmsen’s Foundation for a period of four years. 

Whereas the Wilhelmsen Ballet Academy aims to bring together and develop talented young ballet dancers from around the country, WOYS is a programme for new graduates taking their first steps towards a professional career.  

“This investment in talent will make it possible for the best dancers and singers to get a unique opportunity to develop further, and hopefully become tomorrow's new role models within opera and ballet. With this new collaboration, another chapter is being written in the history of Shipowner Tom Wilhelmsen’s Foundation” says Thomas Wilhelmsen, chair of the board of Shipowner Tom Wilhelmsen’s Foundation. 

Building a bridge to international opera

“The Norwegian National Opera plays an important role as a steward of our art form in Norway in both promoting young Norwegian talents and building a bridge between Norwegian and international opera,” says Opera Director Randi Stene about the new opera academy, the Wilhelmsen Opera Studio for Young Singers (WOYS). 

WOYS is a new programme for young singers who have recently completed their opera education and are on the threshold of a professional career. From 2024, the studio will play a central role in the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, where the young singers will be employed for two years. Each cohort will consist of four to six talents, both with a Norwegian and international background. 

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.

Opera Director Randi Stene personally has a background as a singer and wants to contribute to a better and broader opera education that paves the way for a long career in the industry.

 “For many years, the tradition has been that Norwegian singers travel abroad to pursue further education. WOYS wants to make it possible for the greatest talents to receive the best education with us here in Norway, while at the same time meeting other highly talented individuals from other countries. It will reflect the international world of professional singing and create an even stronger connection between the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and international world of opera,” says Stene.

The programme will start accepting candidates in 2024.