JULY 25-AUGUST 19, 2025
A program that looks at the voice as a whole -
and prepares it for the competitive world of classical music
- through highly intensive training with world-class faculty and
unmatched performance opportunities.
and prepares it for the competitive world of classical music
- through highly intensive training with world-class faculty and
unmatched performance opportunities.
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JULIE WYMA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | ANASTASIA INNISS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
APPLICATION DEADLINES: Rolling, early application for scholarships is advised.
© Photos property of Dramatic Voices Program Berlin
'For a long time I have really really struggled with self belief and nerves, to the point of being physically sick before performing and withdrawing myself from competitions due to immense nerves. Dramatic Voices Program Berlin has given me the support and encouragement I've needed to lessen these severe feelings. The program offered me a safe space to be vulnerable as a performer and gave me the assurance that I am on the right path. I came onto the program a young, scared, pessimistic 25 year old with crippling impostor syndrome who had no idea how the opera world truely worked. And although my constant questions and asking for reassurance from you may have seemed annoying, I felt that you allowed me to ask the questions. This program has helped me in more ways than anything I have attended to date. With your guidance and the team's knowledge I feel incredibly inspired.
I flew back to New Zealand recently and competed in the Lockwood New Zealand Aria Competition over the weekend where out of 47 singers, I made it through to the final where I performed with an orchestra for the first time in my life. Of course there were nerves but without DVP I don't think I would have been able to get through the performances.
I just wanted to thank you for this incredible program. As a young singer with a fuller voice it is always so challenging and you both created a safe space for me to discover my voice and myself as a performer.'
- Ellis Carrington, Soprano
'I just wanted to say thank you again for such an amazing DVP 2024! I can’t believe what we accomplished, and your vision proves that expecting the best from people and believing in us really does bring out our best. I really appreciate your commitment to professionalism and treating artists with respect. I always felt like my time and well-being were important, and your scheduling/organizational prowess is top notch! Getting to see artists at all stages of their lives and careers is invaluable and inspiring, and really promotes much more learning and depth to the experience. Needless to say, DVP is a breath of fresh air, and I’m looking forward to applying again for next year!!'
- Helena Waterous
'It was another amazing experience for me, and a great honor. I loved working with such talented colleagues and faculty, who were also kind and lovely human beings. The Lieder program was a joy! Before 2019 I never imagined singing Wagner or Strauss or any kind of dramatic repertoire. You and DVP showed me that I have more potential than I ever imagined, and you changed the course of my musical life.'
- Margaret O'Connell, Mezzo-Soprano
'I am writing to you to express my gratitude for this year's program! I am so happy to have been given this amazing opportunity to take part in DVP 2024. It was indeed life-changing for me in many ways. I received a lot of encouragement and additional clarity on direction in how to navigate this complex path. It was so nice to meet you both, the rest of the faculty and all of the amazing artists. Everyone was so talented and I really believe all of our paths will cross again in future. I was really impressed by you ability to manage this project! You managed to attract such competent professionals which also massively expanded our networks which I am also very grateful for.'
- Ieva Glinske, Soprano
'Because the program has no age limit, young dramatic voices get to share the stage with seasoned professionals who are participating in the program because they want to sing a particular role or are changing Fachs. I established solid professional relationships with people who are in the industry, and working in the opera houses in Europe. And what I have received in lessons, coachings, masterclasses and performance opportunities, headshots, recordings has been one of the most cost effective investments I have done.'
- Stephanie DePrez, Soprano
'Everything that was promised by the program came through beautifully. The daily coachings were impeccable, the voice teaching was fantastic. I feel like I have arrived at another level. I can add Wagner to my repertoire and I owe this to the Dramatic Voices Program Berlin.'
- Marc Molomot, Tenor
'My favorite part were the coachings and lessons, which were at a very high level - they were specific and always done from an encouraging point of view. I did a lot of artistic growth in an environment that is supportive and encourages risk-taking.'
- Jennifer Carter, Soprano
'The first time I sang a solo hojotoho with orchestra was a highlight of my LIFE! I also absolutely loved being part of such a supportive and talented cohort. What a great bunch of people. I very much enjoyed having the chance to work on my Lieder as well as the Wagner role, and the Masterclasses were also fantastic.It was a perfectly balanced and well-designed program. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity.'
- Belinda Patterson, Mezzo-Soprano
'Working with Clay Hilley really gave me practical new insights into vocal technique which was underscored beautifully by Carol Mastrodomenico.'
- Pierre du Toit, Tenor
'I loved getting to work with such talented, experienced, and kind singers! It was so educational for me to have the chance to work with professionals that had more experience with me. Their confidence and control of their instruments allowed for deep musical work and inspired me to improve. I also loved how helpful the program was in terms of finding housing for the program. It made coming to a huge new city in a different country as comfortable as it could be! As said before, I also really appreciated the supportive vibe within the program and how connected everyone felt. Having the chance to get to know colleagues from several continents was so special! The program leaders and staff did a fantastic job of bringing in people who were not only talented, but kind and well-rounded as well. They were also extremely understanding and willing to work with any issues that arose during the program. This attitude of positivity and acceptance is how all music programs should be run and I hope to see more programs adopt it in the future.'
- Noah Stone, Pianist
'I absolutely loved all of the faculty and leadership of the program. I wish I could have absorbed more knowledge and gotten to spend more time with you all.'
- Nick Masiello, Tenor
I have never been successful auditioning with this company before and I really think my success now is testament to the work I did in Berlin with the DVP and have continued at home since. In particular, Carol's work on my vowels and vowel migration (passive and active) has been voice changing. I am quite astounded with the change in the consistency of my sound. So I can't thank you all enough. I really hope to come back and work with you all again but I wanted to send a quick thank you as I am so excited to get this recognition here, in Australia - something I have been working on for some time.
- Katrina Waters
I flew back to New Zealand recently and competed in the Lockwood New Zealand Aria Competition over the weekend where out of 47 singers, I made it through to the final where I performed with an orchestra for the first time in my life. Of course there were nerves but without DVP I don't think I would have been able to get through the performances.
I just wanted to thank you for this incredible program. As a young singer with a fuller voice it is always so challenging and you both created a safe space for me to discover my voice and myself as a performer.'
- Ellis Carrington, Soprano
'I just wanted to say thank you again for such an amazing DVP 2024! I can’t believe what we accomplished, and your vision proves that expecting the best from people and believing in us really does bring out our best. I really appreciate your commitment to professionalism and treating artists with respect. I always felt like my time and well-being were important, and your scheduling/organizational prowess is top notch! Getting to see artists at all stages of their lives and careers is invaluable and inspiring, and really promotes much more learning and depth to the experience. Needless to say, DVP is a breath of fresh air, and I’m looking forward to applying again for next year!!'
- Helena Waterous
'It was another amazing experience for me, and a great honor. I loved working with such talented colleagues and faculty, who were also kind and lovely human beings. The Lieder program was a joy! Before 2019 I never imagined singing Wagner or Strauss or any kind of dramatic repertoire. You and DVP showed me that I have more potential than I ever imagined, and you changed the course of my musical life.'
- Margaret O'Connell, Mezzo-Soprano
'I am writing to you to express my gratitude for this year's program! I am so happy to have been given this amazing opportunity to take part in DVP 2024. It was indeed life-changing for me in many ways. I received a lot of encouragement and additional clarity on direction in how to navigate this complex path. It was so nice to meet you both, the rest of the faculty and all of the amazing artists. Everyone was so talented and I really believe all of our paths will cross again in future. I was really impressed by you ability to manage this project! You managed to attract such competent professionals which also massively expanded our networks which I am also very grateful for.'
- Ieva Glinske, Soprano
'Because the program has no age limit, young dramatic voices get to share the stage with seasoned professionals who are participating in the program because they want to sing a particular role or are changing Fachs. I established solid professional relationships with people who are in the industry, and working in the opera houses in Europe. And what I have received in lessons, coachings, masterclasses and performance opportunities, headshots, recordings has been one of the most cost effective investments I have done.'
- Stephanie DePrez, Soprano
'Everything that was promised by the program came through beautifully. The daily coachings were impeccable, the voice teaching was fantastic. I feel like I have arrived at another level. I can add Wagner to my repertoire and I owe this to the Dramatic Voices Program Berlin.'
- Marc Molomot, Tenor
'My favorite part were the coachings and lessons, which were at a very high level - they were specific and always done from an encouraging point of view. I did a lot of artistic growth in an environment that is supportive and encourages risk-taking.'
- Jennifer Carter, Soprano
'The first time I sang a solo hojotoho with orchestra was a highlight of my LIFE! I also absolutely loved being part of such a supportive and talented cohort. What a great bunch of people. I very much enjoyed having the chance to work on my Lieder as well as the Wagner role, and the Masterclasses were also fantastic.It was a perfectly balanced and well-designed program. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity.'
- Belinda Patterson, Mezzo-Soprano
'Working with Clay Hilley really gave me practical new insights into vocal technique which was underscored beautifully by Carol Mastrodomenico.'
- Pierre du Toit, Tenor
'I loved getting to work with such talented, experienced, and kind singers! It was so educational for me to have the chance to work with professionals that had more experience with me. Their confidence and control of their instruments allowed for deep musical work and inspired me to improve. I also loved how helpful the program was in terms of finding housing for the program. It made coming to a huge new city in a different country as comfortable as it could be! As said before, I also really appreciated the supportive vibe within the program and how connected everyone felt. Having the chance to get to know colleagues from several continents was so special! The program leaders and staff did a fantastic job of bringing in people who were not only talented, but kind and well-rounded as well. They were also extremely understanding and willing to work with any issues that arose during the program. This attitude of positivity and acceptance is how all music programs should be run and I hope to see more programs adopt it in the future.'
- Noah Stone, Pianist
'I absolutely loved all of the faculty and leadership of the program. I wish I could have absorbed more knowledge and gotten to spend more time with you all.'
- Nick Masiello, Tenor
I have never been successful auditioning with this company before and I really think my success now is testament to the work I did in Berlin with the DVP and have continued at home since. In particular, Carol's work on my vowels and vowel migration (passive and active) has been voice changing. I am quite astounded with the change in the consistency of my sound. So I can't thank you all enough. I really hope to come back and work with you all again but I wanted to send a quick thank you as I am so excited to get this recognition here, in Australia - something I have been working on for some time.
- Katrina Waters
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Imagination creates reality.
- Richard Wagner |