The Deutsche Bank Foundation’s support programme enables 15 gifted conductors, directors, opera administrators and dramatic advisors to take part in the Academy’s network, giving them in-depth practical experience: Each year they visit selected opera productions, along with an international opera festival lasting several days. At each production, participants have the opportunity to meet behind the scenes with the involved performers, directors, dramatic advisors and management experts.

As such, the “Academy Opera Today” creates a space for an intensive creative exchange with current representation practice and for discussions with established opera managers and performers: a dialogue between the “makers” of today and tomorrow, a place for both “basic research” and practical confrontation with the inherent necessities of practical opera – and an opportunity to work on the lively evolvement of opera as a contemporary art form beyond the constraints of individual opera houses.

A fundamental concept of the program is the interdisciplinary composition of the Academy class, enabling a dialog between the musical and directorial areas that is all too often missing in everyday opera life. The Academy also supports participation in artistic contests, such as the International Staging Competition in Graz, und supports grant-holders with their own productions.

Academy Opera Today began its seventh year of existence in 2007: More than a hundred fellows have been admitted and supported since 2001. More and more alumni (as well as current fellows) are shaping today's opera, and increasingly encounter one another as colleagues in co-productions. "Networking amongst the participants is important to us, which is why we place particular emphasis on practical collaboration," stresses Michael Münch, Director of the Deutsche Bank Foundation "We are especially proud of the fact that these collaborations are being started ever more frequently, even without our involvement, and that our fellows and alumni work together regularly at several different opera houses."

Interaction amongst alumni and current fellows continues after the fellowships run their course. The Academy supports contacts and inter-generational networking through events such as alumni conferences. Another regular gathering is our annual welcoming ceremony for new fellows, where contacts can be made and revitalised and future co-productions can be planned.