Yesterday, the Opera Masterclass titled “The Voice as an Instrument” began at our Frankopan Castle, led by the world-renowned opera singer Francisco Araiza and his associate, opera singer Marija Vidović.

Over the next ten days, twelve talented opera singers from around the world will have the opportunity to learn from and work with Professor Araiza and his team.

One of the greatest tenors of our time

Francisco Araiza is recognized as one of the greatest tenors of our time. Since his performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1980 at the invitation of Herbert von Karajan, his beautiful timbre, stylistic versatility, and outstanding stage presence have made him one of the most sought-after performers on opera and concert stages worldwide.

He is especially esteemed at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, the Zurich Opera—where he has had a close association since 1977—the Vienna State Opera, where he was awarded the prestigious title of Kammersänger in 1988, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

After legendary interpretations in Mozart’s and Rossini’s operas, he successfully transitioned into dramatic lyric-spinto roles in the works of Verdi, Puccini, Massenet, Gounod, and Wagner.

He has performed at all major international festivals, including Bayreuth, Salzburg (where he debuted in 1980 under the baton of Herbert von Karajan), Bregenz, Aix-en-Provence, Edinburgh, Prague Spring, Verona, Macerata, the Rossini Festival in Pesaro, the Schubertiade in Hohenems, and the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico. Araiza made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in March 1984 and has since performed there over a hundred times.

Following the Masterclass, a final concert will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, featuring all participants, our opera singer Marija Vidović, and Francisco Araiza.

Admission to the concert is free – join us!