Elina Garanca Baltic Young Voices: Opera Program 2026/2027 – Apply Now!
- Riga, Latvia – February 12, 2026 – The Latvian National Opera and Ballet has announced the opening of applications for the 2026/2027 season of “Elīna Garanča.
- This initiative, the first of its kind in the Baltic region, aims to provide intensive practical training, professional guidance, and essential skills for a successful career in the...
- “For young artists, the real journey begins not in the classroom, but on the audition stage, in front of the intendant, with agencies, and alongside experienced colleagues in...
Riga, Latvia – – The Latvian National Opera and Ballet has announced the opening of applications for the 2026/2027 season of “Elīna Garanča. Young Baltic Voices,” a unique program designed to nurture emerging opera talent from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Applications are being accepted through .
This initiative, the first of its kind in the Baltic region, aims to provide intensive practical training, professional guidance, and essential skills for a successful career in the competitive world of opera. The program is named in honor of world-renowned Latvian mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča, who serves as its patron and ambassador, offering mentorship to young artists.
“For young artists, the real journey begins not in the classroom, but on the audition stage, in front of the intendant, with agencies, and alongside experienced colleagues in rehearsal,” Garanča stated, as relayed by the Latvian National Opera. “Through my collaboration with the Latvian National Opera, I hope to offer guidance that eases this transition – turning a thousand uncertain steps into a hundred purposeful ones. More than give answers, I aim to open new perspectives, so singers can move forward with confidence, inspiration, and a clearer sense of direction.”
The program, which runs for one season from September to June, will be held at the Latvian National Opera in close collaboration with the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. It’s made possible by a generous donation from the family of the late Pēteris Rožlaps, a distinguished set and costume designer (1906–1991).
“Elīna Garanča. Young Baltic Voices” will accept applications from solo vocalists aged 30 or under (born in 1996 or later) who are citizens of Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in vocal studies, or be in their final year of studies, graduating in the first half of 2026. The program anticipates accepting up to four vocalists for the 2026/2027 season, with a preference for a diverse representation of voice types.
The curriculum is structured around three core areas: vocal development, interpretation, and technique; acting, movement, and stage practice; and mentoring, career development skills, and an understanding of the opera profession. Training and practical work will take place in Riga, both individually and in group settings.
The selection process will unfold in two rounds. The first round will be a remote evaluation based on submitted materials, including video recordings of two operatic arias and one art song. Candidates selected for the second round will be invited to a live audition at the Latvian National Opera in Riga on .
Participation in the program is free of charge. While it does not confer a formal academic degree, it offers comprehensive professional experience designed to prepare young singers for a career in opera. The program focuses on practical application and industry readiness, bridging the gap between academic training and the demands of a professional opera career.
Interested applicants can find the electronic application form, available in English, at https://ej.uz/youngbalticvoices2026. Required materials include links to video recordings (totaling no more than 20 minutes in length, recorded within the past year), a portrait photograph in JPG or PNG format, and completion of the online application form.
Results of the first round will be announced on , on the program’s website, www.youngbalticvoices.com. Successful candidates will also be notified individually following the completion of the second round of auditions.
This program represents a significant investment in the future of opera in the Baltic region, providing a crucial platform for emerging artists to hone their skills and launch their international careers. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, along with Elīna Garanča, are positioning Latvia as a central hub for vocal talent and a breeding ground for the next generation of opera stars.