Complete the online registration form: https://forms.gle/oYU2orh29bPQDXeHA

Within Opera Studio – Masterclasses 2026, part of the prestigious Festival 4 Arts, we invite young artists to take part in an exceptional artistic experience: a full staging of Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber — one of the foundational works of German Romanticism.

A Masterpiece of Early Romanticism

Composed to a libretto by Johann Friedrich Kind, Der Freischütz (“The Marksman” / “The Magic Bullet”) is a three-act Romantic opera inspired by German folk legends. It premiered in 1821 at the Schauspielhaus Berlin, an event considered the beginning of German Romantic opera.

The work explores themes such as fate, a pact with dark forces, redeeming love, and the struggle between good and evil. The mysterious forest atmosphere, the famous “Wolfsschlucht” (Wolf’s Glen) scene, the intervention of supernatural forces through the character Samiel, and the purifying finale transform this opera into a powerful dramatic and musical experience.

Weber’s music is remarkable for its evocative orchestration, motifs inspired by German folklore, deeply lyrical arias (especially Agathe’s), and dramatically intense ensembles of almost cinematic power.

A Contemporary Staging Vision: “Interlopii”

The 2026 Opera Studio production is conducted by Adrian Suciu, who proposes a contemporary interpretation under the subtitle “Interlopii.”

This reinterpretation places the original conflict into a present-day context, highlighting mechanisms of power, manipulation, and moral choice in a society dominated by obscure influences. Without altering the original score, the production offers both artists and audiences a fresh and relevant perspective on the action.

The music will be performed in German, in its original version, while the spoken dialogues will be delivered in Romanian to facilitate direct connection with the audience.

Special Guests

• Orest Pîslariu-Ranghilof — Teatrul Național de Operetă „Ion Dacian” (”Ion Dacian” National Operetta and Musical Theatre, Bucharest)
• Tenor Yu-Hsuan Chen (Austria / Taiwan)

Ensembles

• Festival 4 Arts Orchestra
• VIVENTI Choir, Iași
• Male Choir „The Old Hunter” – Lamprechtshausen (Austria)
• Hunting Horn Quartet „Musikum” Salzburg (Austria) — laureates of the National Olympiad “Prima la Musica” (Austria)
• Ballet ensemble: Snagov Lake

Artistic Team

• Stage Director: Monica Anca Pîslariu-Ranghilof
• Musical Director: Adrian Suciu
• Vocal Coaching: Conf. Univ. Dr. Claudia Codreanu

A Professional Opportunity for Young Artists

The masterclass offers young singers and actors the opportunity to work in a complete opera production within a professional framework, alongside established artists and international ensembles.

Participants will benefit from:

• Individual vocal coaching
• In-depth diction and pronunciation work (German and Romanian)
• Interpretative development and character building
• Stage movement and theatrical presence training
• Ensemble rehearsals
• Full technical rehearsals (lighting, costumes, stage direction)

It is an intensive experience designed to simulate the real conditions of a professional lyric theatre production.

Available Roles

Casting will be determined according to voice type and previous experience:

• Ottokar, Prince of Bohemia — tenor / baritone
• Kuno, Chief Forester of the Princely Estates — baritone / bass
• Agathe — soprano
• Ännchen (Agathe’s cousin) — soprano
• Four Bridesmaids — sopranos
• Kaspar (first young huntsman) — bass
• Max (second young huntsman) — tenor
• Kilian (a wealthy peasant) — baritone
• Samiel (the Black Huntsman / Satan) — spoken role
• The Hermit — bass

Event Schedule – Opera Studio 2026

Sunday, August 16, 7:00 PM
Casa de Cultură „Antim Ivireanu” – Snagov
Extraordinary Opera Gala

Wednesday, August 19, 4:00 PM
Carmelite Monastery
Sacred Music Concert
Featuring VIVENTI Choir and ANGELI Choir (”George Enescu” National University of Music Iași) and Festival 4 Arts soloists

First Premiere: Thursday, August 20, 7:00 PM
Casa de Cultură “Antim Ivireanu” – Snagov

Second Premiere: Friday, August 21, 7:00 PM
Casa de Cultură “Antim Ivireanu” – Snagov

Opera Studio – Masterclasses 2026 is not just a course, but a transformative artistic experience. Through the staging of Der Freischütz, participants will immerse themselves in the universe of German Romanticism and explore its profound relevance for contemporary audiences within a large-scale international production.

Application Requirements

For principal roles, applicants must know the role they are applying for by heart and have it thoroughly prepared.

A selection process will take place. Please send by email to festivaluldearte@gmail.com:

• A video of yourself performing a musical piece (for singing roles), or
• A poem or theatrical excerpt (for spoken roles).

Participation Fee – Festival 4 Arts Opera Studio

• Singing roles: 420 Euro
• Samiel (spoken role): 105 Euro

Accommodation and meals may be paid separately or together with the course fee.

Registration Procedure

To enroll, applicants must:

1. Complete the online registration form: https://forms.gle/oYU2orh29bPQDXeHA;
2. Pay the fee by bank transfer to Asociatia Join4Arts, CIF 52132900, ING Bank, București, IBAN: RO96INGB0000999918429474 (în RON) SWIFT: INGBROBU or by PayPal.
3. Send proof of payment (and, if applicable, accommodation and meal payment) to festivaluldearte@gmail.com.

Application deadline: June 30.

Registration is confirmed only after full payment for the requested services has been received. The fee is refundable only if the course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.

A 40 Euro early-bird discount is granted for payments made by March 15.

Accommodation and Meals

For those requesting accommodation and meals, costs are separate.

Accommodation and full board can be arranged at Complex Casa Alex Snagov (where the professors will also stay) for 42 Euro per person per day (including lodging and three meals per day).

The guesthouse offers a swimming pool, tennis court, football field, ping-pong tables, billiards, and generous open space facilities.