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The DNOA holds auditions on an annual basis with the aim of selecting suitable participants to join the programme for the subsequent two years.

The closing date for applications to join the programme in Autumn 2024 was Sunday 14. January 2024.

Please note that the DNOA is a full-time study programme and that students are required to prioritise the DNOA commitments over any external engagements.

The programme dates are 02 September 2024 – 31 August 2026.

There is no age limit, there is no application fee.

Recruitment Process

The audition process takes place in three separate rounds.

Round One
Assessment of the online applications and submitted materials which must include the following:

  • A detailed, up-to-date Curriculum Vitae in tabular form (ie not a biographical note)
  • Copy of relevant diploma(s)
  • Copy of your passport
  • A portrait
  • Activated links to three operatic arias/scenes in at least two languages (recordings sent as attachments will not be accepted)
  • A separate statement of your artistic practice (of no more than one page). This should briefly set out your interests, ambitions and motivations as an artist, as well as your reason for wishing to study at the DNOA.

Please note: If you do not submit all of the required materials, your application will be deemed ineligible.
Candidates selected for the second round will be informed by Wednesday, 7. February 2024.

Round Two:  2. March 2024

 Live Auditions for a panel which includes the Artistic Leader, other faculty members, representatives of voice departments of both conservatoires, and an external expert.

Singers invited to participate in this round are required to present four contrasting arias in at least three languages, one of which should include a recitative from the baroque or classical period.

Candidates are also requested to present a spoken text (e.g. a monologue or a poem) to be recited by memory in the candidate’s first language.

Furthermore, candidates in this round may be allocated a piece that should be prepared within a specific time frame. Notification and repertoire will be provided, ca. two weeks before the second round.

Round Three:  3. – 4. March 2024

Selected singers are invited to take part in group classes and individual coaching sessions over a period of days culminating in an interview where they are encouraged to speak about their aspirations and motivation to study at the DNOA.

Audition Location
The live auditions and working sessions will take place at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
A pianist will be provided.

Have a question?

Email Paul McNamara, Artistic Leader:
paul.mcnamara@ahk.nl

The DNOA application process is administered by the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

When submitting an application please opt for the following selection in the “Major Study” section:

Department: Specific master’s
Programme: Master
Major (instrument): Opera (DNOA)

Open Day 2024

Learn more about the DNOA – visit our Open Day or one of our regular online Q&A sessions in Autumn 2024. Dates tba.

Application

When applying you are required to complete an online application form and upload a number of documents which include:

– A detailed up-to-date Curriculum Vitae in tabular form (ie not a biographical note)
– Copy of relevant diploma(s)
– Copy of your passport
– A portrait
– Activated links to three operatic arias/ scenes in at least two languages (recordings sent as attachments will not be accepted)
– A separate statement of your artistic practice (of no more than one page). This should briefly set out your interests, ambitions and motivations as an artist as well as your reason for wishing to study at the DNOA.

Please note: If you do not submit all of the required materials, your application will be deemed ineligible