The Latvian National Opera announces the opening of applications for the young vocalists program "Elīna Garanča. New Voices of the Baltics for the 2026/2027 season." Applications are accepted from February 12 to March 16, 2026.
"Elīna Garanča. New Voices of the Baltics" is the first and only program for young vocalists in the Baltics. Its aim is to help young talents from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia successfully start their journey on the international stage by providing practical experience, professional support, and the development of skills necessary in the modern opera industry. The patroness and ambassador of the program is the world-renowned opera singer Elīna Garanča.
The program will be implemented over one season from September to June, offering an intensive process of practice and training at the Latvian National Opera in close collaboration with the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. The “Elīna Garanča. New Voices of the Baltics” program is made possible by a donation from the family of the renowned set designer and costume artist Peter Rozhlaps (1906-1991).
Singers from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia aged up to 30 years (born in 1996 or later) are invited to participate in the program. Candidates must have a higher education in vocal performance (bachelor's or master's degree) or be final-semester students who will graduate from higher education institutions in the first half of 2026.
Training and practice will take place in Riga from September 2026 to June 2027, both individually and in groups. The program includes three main areas:
- vocal development, interpretation, and technique;
- acting, movement, and stage practice;
- mentorship, career development skills, and understanding of the opera industry.
The selection of candidates will take place in two stages. The first stage will involve a remote selection based on the evaluation of materials submitted by candidates, including video recordings. Candidates who advance to the second round will be invited for an in-person audition at the Latvian National Opera in Riga.
In the 2026/2027 season, the program plans to accept up to four young vocalists from the Baltic countries. It is preferable for participants to represent different voice types, however, the main criteria for selection are talent, motivation, and professional potential.
Participation in the program is free of charge. The program does not provide a formal educational diploma but offers comprehensive professional experience that prepares young singers for a career in the opera field.
How to Apply for the Program in the 2026/2027 Season
Application Deadline:
February 12 – March 16, 2026
Applications are submitted by filling out an online form in English: https://ej.uz/youngbalticvoices2026
Required Materials
The application must include:
- links to video recordings (total duration up to 20 minutes, recordings made within the last year)
-
two opera arias;
-
one chamber solo song;
- one portrait photograph (in JPG or PNG format);
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection
1st Round – Remotely
The jury evaluates the submitted materials and nominates candidates for the second round.
2nd Round – May 15 and 16, 2026 in Riga, at the Latvian National Opera
Candidates selected for the second round will be invited for auditions at the Latvian National Opera.
Results
The results of the 1st round will be announced on April 15, 2026, on the website www.youngbalticvoices.com
After the 2nd round, based on the audition results, up to four participants will be accepted into the program for the 2026/2027 season. Candidates who pass both rounds will be informed individually.
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