The Opéra National de Lyon is not only one of the leading opera houses in France, but an internationally acclaimed company known throughout the classical music world for its high level of artistry and its imaginative, bold avant-garde productions directed by some of Europe’s most renowned stage directors with outstanding casts. It has won several awards, among them the title “Best Opera Company of the Year” in 2017 by the London-based International Opera Awards.

The Lyon Opera Studio is a programme for young talents at the beginning of their career. Headed by Jochen Breiholz, our Director of Opera, it gives five singers the unique opportunity to become part of the Lyon Opera family. For seasons 2026/2027 and 2027/2028, we are looking for young, exceptional talents who will be cast in a wide-ranging spectrum of roles in the productions of the Opéra de Lyon.

Additionally to your participation in the productions on the main stage, you will receive regular coachings and masterclasses and will present yourself to the Lyon audience in concerts and solo recitals.

We are looking for singers of the voice types soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone and bass. The age limit is 32 for women and 34 for men at the time of applying. The monthly salary is 2 841,66€ gross, according to the “Convention collective nationale des entreprises artistiques et culturelles” (National collective agreement of artistic and cultural companies).

Your application has to include:
‑ Two video clips of you (Youtube format) singing two opera arias in two different languages (please make sure there are no technical issues with these clips; if they can’t be opened, we can’t consider your application). Please make sure the videos have a very high sound quality.
‑ A letter of motivation in French or English
‑ Your up-to-date CV with detailed information about your education and work experience
‑ A headshot
‑ A copy of your passport or national ID

The deadline to apply is October 31st 2025 before midnight. Auditions will be held in Lyon on January 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th 2026. Please make sure you are available on these dates. If you are selected, invitations will be sent at the beginning of December 2025.

Please apply by clicking on the link below: