Introduction

The European Opera Centre exists to help bridge the gap in training and practical opportunities between leaving higher education and establishing a career in opera. The Centre has a complementary aim of developing audiences for opera across Europe.

Launched in 1997, with leadership from major opera houses in Europe, the European Opera Centre provides practical training for singers and other young Europeans intending to develop a career in opera. The Centre's work has received strong political and financial support from the European Union.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, a national of an associated country or have been resident in one of these countries for at least two years, you can apply to take part in the programme. (See auditions section for full list of approved countries)

Auditions are held periodically across Europe. To date, more than 1000 people have been auditioned in over 30 centres. You can download the Audition Application Form from this website and register for the next round of auditions. In addition to singers, there are opportunities for trainee repetiteurs, assistant directors and designers, technical staff and administrators.

Intensive courses at the Centre's rehearsal studios at Liverpool Hope University lead to staged productions, concert performances and other projects presented by the Centre's performing company Opera Europe at venues across Europe. You will have the chance to receive strong professional guidance - to date this has been given by artists such as Renata Scotto, Kent Nagano, Marta Lantieri, Giovanni Pacor and Fabrizio Ventura - as well as the Centre's own music staff.

As a trainee on full courses you will receive a bursary to cover accommodation and living costs and a grant for travel at the start and end of the course.

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