The National Lyric Company has announced the opening of the call for open auditions for national and regional singers for the selection of artistic casts for the various opera and zarzuela projects that will be presented in 2025 by the National Music Center of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, in collaboration with various institutions. Additionally, auditions are open for pianists to join a new “Opera Studio” program.
Selection of Artistic Casts, Singers, and Pianists for Various Projects
Registration Open: March 11–18, 2025
San José, March 11, 2025. The National Lyric Company (CLN) has announced the opening of the call for open auditions for national and regional singers to select artistic casts for the various opera and zarzuela projects to be presented in 2025 by the National Music Center of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, in collaboration with various institutions. Additionally, auditions are open for pianists to join a new “Opera Studio” program.
The requirements to participate in the auditions for these projects are: being over 18 years old and having formal training and proven experience in singing and piano. The registration period runs from March 11 to March 18, 2025.
This year, during July, the CLN will present to the public at the National Theater the zarzuela El barberillo de Lavapiés by F. A. Barbieri, in a production by Madrid’s Teatro de la Zarzuela, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, the National Symphonic Choir, and the National Dance Company, all under the musical direction of Maestro Andrés Salado.
Additionally, on Tuesday, March 11, the “Lyrical Tuesdays” program will be inaugurated at the National Theater of Costa Rica (TNCR), featuring monthly screenings of productions from Madrid’s Teatro Real, as well as lyrical singing and piano recitals. These events will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from March to November in the foyer of TNCR and the Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana.
Calio Alonso, Artistic Director of the National Lyric Company, stated: “Calling for an open audition process without restrictions is always highly motivating and full of surprises. Working alongside the key figures of this sector is essential for the successful development of programs based on public policies. Youth plays a crucial role in the National Lyric Company’s projects, which is why we have created the Opera Studio program for singers and pianists—the first of its kind in the country and region. It aims to highlight artists and the art of both the present and the future. Attracting internationally renowned figures, such as the celebrated soprano Joyce DiDonato, is an opportunity to engage with the major events, challenges, and opportunities of our time while securing a stable future for our artists and audiences.”
Those interested in participating in the audition process must send an email to ngarce@mcj.go.cr with a Google Drive link containing the following documents: copy of ID or passport, artistic biography and CV, two professional artistic photographs, three recordings of vocally demanding pieces demonstrating their current vocal ability, a list of repertoire to be presented in the final phase if preselected, a sworn statement confirming availability to participate in the zarzuela production in July.
A prestigious artistic committee composed of internationally recognized experts will oversee the selection process, including: Andrés Salado, Musical and Artistic Director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, Paolo Bortolameolli, Musical Director of the Santiago de Chile Symphony Orchestra, Joan Matabosch, Artistic Director of Madrid’s Teatro Real, Ramiro A. Ramírez, Director of the National Music Center and Calio Alonso, Repetiteur and Artistic Director of the National Lyric Company.
For detailed information about repertoire, deadlines, and the selection process, visit: https://cnm.go.cr/audicionescln25/
Opera Studio : one of CLN’s most significant projects for 2025 is Opera Studio, a program aimed at advanced-level singers and pianists who seek to refine their skills in opera and lyrical performance. Participants will receive mentorship and training from top-tier artists while taking part in CLN’s productions and projects. The Italian Embassy will support this initiative by offering a course at Dante Alighieri for five selected Opera Studio participants.
Opera Studio will feature internationally renowned artists and industry professionals, including: Joyce DiDonato, celebrated soprano, Andrés Salado, conductor, Héctor Eliel Márquez, vocal coach and repetiteur, Borja Quizá, baritone, Margot Pares Reina, soprano, Juan Mendoza, Artistic Director of Madrid’s Reina Sofía School of Music, Isamay Benavente, Artistic Director of Madrid’s Teatro de la Zarzuela and Zenaida des Aubries, producer and career manager. Additional mentors and guest artists will be announced in due course.
