The EOP
About the EOP – European Opera-directing Prize
Since 2001, the non-profit association Camerata Nuova e.V. in Wiesbaden, Germany, organises the EOP – European Opera-directing Prize for young opera directors under the age of 35 years.
The only major international competition for opera directors
Every two years the Camerata Nuova invites tenders for the EOP-European Opera-directing Prize , in collaboration with one European Opera House as well as Opera Europa, an association of more than 230 opera houses and festivals. Since 2009, the final has been held at a member opera house as part of one of the two annual Opera Europa conferences. The EOP is currently the only major competition for young opera directors with the widest international reach.
Concepts must be practical
Participants submit a production and layout concept for a given work of opera literature. The technical and personnel resources of the participating opera house in which the winning production will be performed must be taken into account.
The final
The young directors have to prove that they can lead an ensemble of singers. In the finals, an opera scene, that will be named with the invitation to the final round, is to be rehearsed with their own concept under the eyes of jury of renowned directors. For the young directors, this is a unique opportunity to present themselves in a way that is not possible in everyday opera life. The winners of the EOP are given the opportunity to realise their concept in the participating opera house.
The prizes
1st Prize Realization of the winning concept. For the performance in the cooperating opera house, Camerata Nuova e.V. will contribute a production cost subsidy of 20.000 EUR for the directing team. 2nd Prize Stage director’s assignment at an opera house. For the commissioning of the second smaller production, Camerata Nuova e.V. will contribute a production cost subsidy of 10.000 EUR to the participating opera house. 3rd Prize For the offer to the third winner to assist in a major production of a member of Opera Europa, Camerata Nuova e.V. will pay a contribution towards expenses of 5.000 EUR.
