Opera

The Sibelius Academy is the only educational establishment in Finland to offer university-level opera education. Opera students are instructed in drama subjects and gain practical experience in the programme's opera productions. The training programme includes two fully-staged opera productions with an orchestra every year. In addition, opera students perform small-scale opera scenes or an abridged version of one opera once a term.

The Sibelius Academy started a new master's programme in the autumn of 2011. It is a two and a half year programme between international partner universities. Students in the programme complete the Master of Music degree at the Sibelius Academy with opera as their major. Students are admitted in the programme every second year. The first admissions were in the spring of 2011. Students are chosen by voice type. This will allow the formation of ensembles capable of staging entire opera performances. The main language of instruction is English but Finnish and Swedish can also be used when necessary.

Cooperation with international music universities and conservatories

International networking is an integral part of study in the opera class. Exchange programmes will provide students with the opportunity to study abroad. They will also introduce renowned international instructors to the Sibelius Academy programme and Finnish instructors to those of partner universities.