Katharina Thoma

Prof. Katharina Thoma is a renowned opera director currently serving as Head of the Opera School at the University of Music Würzburg. She also holds the positions of Deputy Chair of the Music Academy and Dean of Studies. With a career spanning major European opera houses including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Glyndebourne Festival, she specializes in blending historical accuracy with modern theatrical innovation.

• Studied piano at Lübeck University of Music
• Resident director at Dortmund Opera (2011-2014)
• Visiting professor at Graz University of Music (2018)
• Freelance director since 2008

Katharina Thoma's research and practice focus on opera stage direction, scenic training for singers, and historical opera interpretation. Her work spans from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary political operas, emphasizing:

• Contextual authenticity in period-specific productions
• Modern reinterpretation of classical works
• Interdisciplinary approaches to staging
• Integration of visual and musical elements
• Training of next-generation opera performers
• Exploration of war-related themes in opera

Notable productions include:

• 2024: Johann Strauss' The Bat (University of Music Würzburg)
• 2023: De Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro
• 2022: Britten's The Rape of Lucretia
• 2019: Schönberg's Pierrot lunaire
• 2007: European Opera Directing Competition Finalist

Her artistic contributions have been recognized with:

• Second Prize at the European Opera Directing Competition 'Camerata Nuova' (2007)

Katharina Thoma actively mentors young singers and develops innovative opera productions at the University of Music Würzburg's Opera School. Her recent work includes:

• Wagner operas debut (2019/20 season)
• Collaboration with composers like Richard Jones and Christof Loy
• Participation in renowned festivals (Munich Biennale, Glyndebourne)

The Opera School under her leadership focuses on comprehensive training combining:

• Historical performance practices
• Contemporary staging techniques
• Technical vocal training
• Interdisciplinary collaboration