The second International Opera Workshop Waiblingen with Melanie Diener and Thomas Hampson is set for Nov. 23 to 28, 2020.

The workshop will take place in the city of Waiblingen in Germany in compliance with all necessary hygiene regulations. The program gives 12 young artists the opportunity to spend a week working on arias and duets together with Melanie Diener and Thomas Hampson.

This year, the focus will be on music by Mozart from “The Magic Flute” and “Così fan tutte.” At the end of the program, the young artists will perform together with the two opera stars in a closing concert with the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Dan Ettinger.

In 2019 the program distinguished itself as a center for highly talented young opera singers from all over the world. Artists came from around the world including Europe, the USA, and Asia, and the program included small surprise performances in the old town of Waiblingen.

In a statement, Diener said, “I am really very proud that for Waiblingen, culture is relevant and that the people in charge in the town have worked hard to ensure that the opera workshop can take place this year despite the difficult circumstances. Especially now we all have to stand up for culture because it is an important, irreplaceable part of our lives. I am very much looking forward to working with the young artists and to the inspiration they will bring to our city.”

Meanwhile, Hampson noted, “Especially in difficult times like these, young singers need a perspective – our ‘International Opera Workshop Waiblingen’ is setting a clear signal for music for the second time. In the workshops, we can not only pass on our experience but also develop the skills young singers need for a long and successful career. We want to encourage young singers to take the step onto the stage. In this situation, it is vital to show the importance of music and art in our society. I am very much looking forward to this year’s experience and to the intensive musical work during these five days.”