MikulskiArt Foundation Opera Academy

Feel the magic of opera!

8-12 July 2025
Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice

Do you dream of standing on the opera stage and enchanting the audience with your voice? Or maybe you want to improve your vocal workshop and explore the secrets of interpretation under the guidance of masters?

APLICATION FORM

Step into the World of Polish National Opera

Discover the Secrets of Moniuszko’s The Haunted Manor

in a Unique Edition of the MikulskiART Foundation’s Opera Academy

In the upcoming edition of the Opera Academy organized by the MikulskiART Foundation, we invite you into the heart of one of Poland’s greatest operatic masterpieces – The Haunted Manor (Straszny Dwór) by Stanisław Moniuszko. This is a rare opportunity to explore a work steeped in romanticism, patriotism, and Slavic spirit – and above all, to experience its dramatic power through your own voice and artistic interpretation.

This year’s masterclass will be led by world-renowned opera singer Caroline Isabel Merz, who will share her international experience, vocal insight, and artistic sensibility with all participants.

The Academy offers an intensive, multifaceted artistic journey. Participants will engage in vocal, stage, and stylistic workshops led by acclaimed pedagogues, directors, and performance coaches. Together, they will delve into the depth of Moniuszko’s music and characters, refine their vocal technique, and build powerful stage presence.

Open to:

Vocalists
Music academy students
Music school students (advanced level)
Professional singers
Voice teachers
Vocal ensembles

This program is for those who not only want to grow as artists, but also become part of a new generation of performers shaping the future of Polish opera with passion, excellence, and respect for tradition.

Enter The Haunted Manor – and let your artistry bring its legend to life.

APLICATION FORM

During an intensive week at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice, under the guidance of world-famous teachers – Caroline Isabel Merz – you will immerse yourself in the world of Mozart’s operatic masterpieces: “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, “Cosi fan tutte”, “The Magic Flute” – these works will become your vocal training ground.

Soprano / Vocalcoach

Caroline Isabel Merz

Caroline Isabel Merz, as a soloist, has collaborated for decades with the world's most outstanding directors, conductors and stage partners...

Caroline Isabel Merz, as a soloist, has collaborated for decades with the world's most outstanding directors, conductors and stage partners. Her roles include: Pamina, Contessa, Donna Anna, Fiordiligi, Konstancja, Queen of the Night, First Lady, Violetta, Mimi, Lucia, Leonora, Frau Fluth, Micaela, Norina, Adina, Rosina, Rosalinde, Reagan, Manon. She has also performed many contemporary music pieces. In addition, her work includes a large repertoire of songs - in particular: Strauss, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Copeland, Barber, Rossini, Verdi and Brahms. For a decade, Caroline Merz has been involved in pedagogical activities - thanks to her knowledge and experience, she is a valued lecturer at countless master vocal courses in Europe, the USA, Japan and China.

Course languages

Polish, German, English, Italian, French, Russian

All classes are open

for participants and the audience

You will receive a certificate or diploma

(for passive participants and teachers).

Rediscover Stanisław Moniuszko’s masterpiece – full of emotion, humor and Polish spirit. Vocal, stage and stylistic workshops led by outstanding artists await you.

Regulations APLICATION FORM

Regulations

APLICATION FORM

”"Opera is the heart of vocal art"
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would probably say if he lived in our times

APLICATION FORM

Detailed Course Schedule

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

15:00 – Course opening: auditions of all active participants (one aria and one song).
18:00 – Organizational meeting: overview of the course schedule, participation guidelines, individual lesson timetable, practice room availability, and participants’ individual needs.

Wednesday – Friday, July 9–11, 2025

09:00–10:00 – Morning vocal warm-up and group voice emission exercises led by Caroline Isabel Merz.
10:00–13:00 – Individual voice emission lessons (also for online participants), tailored to the needs and challenges of each participant.
13:00–14:30 – Lunch break (lunch provided by the Organizer).
14:30–19:00 – Individual sessions with Caroline Isabel Merz: work on selected repertoire, interpretation, stylistic analysis, and vocal methodology.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

10:00–11:00 – Morning warm-up and voice emission exercises with Caroline Isabel Merz.
15:00–17:00 – Acoustic rehearsal.
18:00 – Final concert by participants at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice.

Organizational Notes

The detailed timetable for individual lessons will be arranged on an ongoing basis, taking into account the availability of Caroline Isabel Merz and the individual needs of participants.
The primary language of instruction for Caroline Isabel Merz will be German; if needed, she can also communicate in English, Italian, and French.
All sessions are open to the public, providing additional educational value and inspiration.
The program for the final concert will be shaped during the course, based on the repertoire prepared and participants’ preferences.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule.

Expand your voice, stage sensitivity and musical horizons!

Join the MikulskiArt Foundation Opera Academy and feel the magic of opera! Do not hesitate!

Vocal Course Regulations

§1. General Provisions

The organizer of the “MIKULSKIART OPERA ACADEMY PABIANICE 2025” course (hereinafter referred to as the “Course”) is the MikulskiART Foundation.

The Course will be held from July 8th to July 12th, 2025, at the Zbigniew Herbert Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice.

The leading pedagogue of the Course will be the world-renowned singer, soloist of the Vienna State Opera – Caroline Isabel Merz.

The Program and Organization Director of the Course is Prof. Dr. habil. Dariusz Mikulski – President of the MikulskiART Foundation.

The aim of the Course is to provide participants with the opportunity for intensive vocal development under the guidance of experienced pedagogues.These regulations define the terms and conditions of participation in the Course.

§2. Participants

The Course is intended for professional singers, singing teachers, music academy students, music school students, vocal ensembles, and young singers.

Participants of the Course are divided into the following categories:

Active Participants – actively participating in individual and group classes.
Passive Participants – observing classes.
Teachers – participating in methodological classes.

§3. Applications

Applications for the Course are accepted electronically until July 4th, 2025. The application form is available on the MikulskiART Foundation website.

The Organizer reserves the right to limit the number of participants. Admission to the Course is decided by the order of applications and the fulfillment of the criteria specified in §2.

§4. Fees

The following participation fees for the Course are established:

Professionals: EUR 240
Students: EUR 190
Passive Participants / Teachers: EUR 145

Payments should be made to the bank account number: PL55 1140 2004 0000 3812 1834 9536 BIC/SWIFT BREXPLPWMBK by July 4th, 2025.

In the event of a participant’s cancellation after July 4th, payments made will not be refunded.

In the event of the Course being canceled due to reasons beyond the Organizer’s control, the fee will be refunded in full.

§5. Course Program

The Course program includes individual and group classes in the following areas:

Vocal technique
Musical interpretation
Repertoire work
Group scenes
Singing teaching methodology (dedicated to teachers)

The working languages will be: German, English, Italian, and French.Course participants will take part in individual and group classes with piano accompaniment.

All classes are open to registered participants and the public.

A detailed schedule of classes will be made available to participants at the beginning of the Course.

§6. Final Concert

The Course will conclude with a participants’ concert on July 12th, 2025. Participation in the concert is mandatory for active participants. The program of the concert will be determined during the Course.

§7. Final Provisions

The Organizer reserves the right to make changes to the Course program. Participants are obliged to comply with these regulations and follow the instructions of the instructors.

The Organizer is not responsible for any accidental events that may occur during the Course.

All participants will receive diplomas or certificates confirming their participation in the Course.

Any matters not regulated by these regulations shall be decided by the Organizer.