Elīna Garanča. Young Baltic Voices is the first and only program for young vocalists in the Baltics. Its mission is to support emerging talents from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia as they successfully begin their journey on the international stage by providing practical experience, professional guidance, and the development of skills essential for today’s opera industry.

The program will run for one season, from September to June, offering intensive training and stage practice at the Latvian National Opera in close collaboration with the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.

 

The program’s patron and ambassador is the world-renowned opera singer Elīna Garanča, a powerful source of inspiration for 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. 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," says Elīna Garanča.

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The Latvian National Opera and Ballet will oversee the program and provide participants with the opportunity to perform on stage.

 

“Latvia and the Baltics can be proud of our outstanding opera soloists and wonderful voices. Our opera house has been the starting point of many brilliant careers. I am convinced that with the Young Soloists Program – by providing the support of professional teachers, hands-on training, and masterclasses – we will offer a strong foundation for new Baltic talents as well,” explains Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.

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The Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music is a key partner, offering opportunities to practice at the Opera Studio, collaborate with the academy’s orchestra, and benefit from the expertise of its professors.

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The Elīna Garanča. Young Baltic Voices program is made possible thanks to a generous donation from the family of distinguished stage and costume designer Pēteris Rožlapa (1906–1991).