The Children's Opera Chorus of the Staatstheater Nürnberg formed in the 2021/22 season. The dissolution of the Children's and Youth Choir at LGV Nürnberg resulted in the ensemble moving under the Staatstheater's purview. The choir was then made a part of the Drama Teaching department, where it performs artistic works and provides education. Over 90 children and youths between the ages of six and 18 currently sing in the Children's Opera Chorus.
Chorus rehearsals
Outside of the school holidays, the chorus practises every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on a rehearsal stage at the Staatstheater. The young singers are sometimes divided up for various projects, and the rehearsal times may vary as a result.
In addition to the weekly musical rehearsals, the chorus has irregular stage rehearsals on Saturdays and evenings during the week depending on the production, and sing the children's chorus scores in performances at the opera house. Participation is project-based, meaning that the children may not have any rehearsal dates for several weeks after more intensive rehearsal periods.
Junior Chorus
In the Junior Chorus, children between six and eight years old learn basic vocal and musical skills, and have fun while doing it. To music instructor Sabrina Wierschin, working within a group and gaining initial experience with stage performances are important aspects to gently preparing children for the big stage. The Junior Chorus rehearses Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Voice training
From the beginning, the children at the Staatstheater Nürnberg receive individual, professional and age-appropriate vocal training parallel to the rehearsals. On Mondays and Fridays, singers who need extra assistance or attention can receive supplementary vocal training each week. This free service is financed by a foundation.
Profile
The ensemble's primary focus is crafting the children's chorus scores for the big opera stage. Music and scenes are considered together from the start. Rehearsal days on weekends or during the holidays, workshops and appearances at the Staatsphilharmonie Nürnberg's Children's Concerts, or special concerts supplement the weekly rehearsals and involvement in the opera productions.
Team
Philipp Roosz, director of the Children’s Opera Chorus
Sabrina Wierschin, assistant and director of the Junior Chorus
Christine Lehner-Belkaied, voice training
Karoline Wlochowitz, voice training
Marie-Laure Dubreil-Steinkrug, coaching
Janik Goldberger, organisation
Get involved / Costs / Requirements
All children at least six years of age who enjoy singing and stage performances are welcome to join the Children's Opera Chorus. Prior experience is valuable but not required.
New members can only join during two to three fixed dates per year. During a 30-minute introductory meeting, two to four families have the opportunity to learn about the work and the Children's Opera Chorus staff. A voice coach, assistant and director of the Children's Opera Chorus in turn look forward to meeting the new singers. The process generally goes like this:
- brief meeting with all children
- we do vocal exercises and scene games together
- the children sing exercises individually (or a song they have selected)
- children and parents have the opportunity to ask questions.
We will set an appointment via e-mail for interested families.
The next dates are in September 2025 and January 2026.
Membership in the Children’s Opera Chorus is free. The children receive free voice training and snacks during performances, and the parents receive discounted premiere tickets for the productions in which their children are performing. The children do not receive any other compensation for being involved in an opera performance.
Rehearsal info
Our Children’s Opera Chorus debuted for the opera Carmen. You can find exclusive insight into the rehearsal process in the Digitaler Fundus.
Zum Digitalen Fundus
Contact
You can learn more and register to audition at kinderopernchor(a)staatstheater-nuernberg.de
Photo © Pedro Malinowski
