Beppo Binder is a professor at the Faculty of Music, Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna (MUK), where he has been affiliated since 1989. His career spans performance, directing, and education in music and theater. Education: Studied at Vienna Conservatory (now MUK), with dance training in Vienna, Paris, and London Master Classes: Heinz Zednik and Werner Hollweg Binder has held diverse roles in musical theater, including engagements at the Austrian Danube Festival Weeks (1991), Vienna Volkstheater (1993), and Salzburg State Theater (1994). He has been a permanent ensemble member at the Baden City Theater since 2000, serving as singer, actor, and director (1994-2000) and contributing to music/theater education.
Akiko Nakajima is a Japanese soprano and academic faculty member at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) in the Faculty of Performing Arts , where she has taught since February 2016. She serves as General Director of the Gunma Opera Academy 'Noura-Juku' and Artistic Advisor at the Mozarthaus Vienna . Her career spans international opera stages and artistic direction. Specialization in classical and early music opera roles Founder and director of innovative cross-cultural productions like Mugen Noh - Pierrot Lunaire Active in music festivals and recording projects at venues such as the Musikverein Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Australian Singing Competition (1990) - First Prize European Broadcasting Union Award for Alcina production Opernwelt Best Young Artist of the Year nomination Her academic contributions focus on vocal pedagogy, operatic performance, and bridging European classical traditions with Japanese artistic concepts. She continues to shape opera education while maintaining her performance career.
Alberto Sana serves as a Lecturer of Italian at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna (MUK) since 2013 and concurrently at the Romance Studies Institute of the University of Vienna since 2004. He delivers language courses, subject-specific didactic workshops, and instruction in Italian and French across general and vocational secondary schools (AHS/BHS) in Vienna. His academic foundation includes distinguished studies in Italian and French at the University of Vienna (2000-2003), culminating in a thesis on vocabulary didactics in Italian language education. This work was condensed into a published chapter within a didactics-focused volume edited by Prof. Dr. Tanzmeister. Sana specializes in the intersection of Italian language pedagogy and operatic arts, with deep expertise in Italian librettos and vocal repertoire. His research integrates linguistic theory with practical music education, emphasizing vocabulary acquisition strategies for opera-focused language learners and the cultural dimensions of Italian musical heritage. This dual focus bridges linguistic scholarship and performance practice. His sole documented publication (2008) examines vocabulary teaching methodologies within Italian language instruction, reflecting his commitment to innovative didactic frameworks. The work establishes connections between linguistic theory and applied educational contexts, particularly relevant for students engaged with Italian operatic literature. Professionally, Sana maintains active involvement in Vienna's musical ecosystem beyond academia. As a tenor in the Vienna Singverein choir under Johannes Prinz's direction, he embodies the practical application of his scholarly interests in Italian opera. His career trajectory—from international business to language education—demonstrates a unique synthesis of commercial experience and artistic scholarship.
Mag. Mag. Gundula Maria Wilscher is a Researcher affiliated with the University for Continuing Education Krems, serving in the Archives of Contemporary Arts and Collection of Literary Estates. Her work integrates archival science with musicology, focusing on 20th-century composers like Kurt Schwertsik and Friedrich Cerha. She explores themes such as artistic legacies, modernist concepts, and interdisciplinary creative processes. Key projects include curation of Cerha's slide collection and analysis of composer-dramaturgical works. Research Interests: Cultural heritage preservation through archival practices Musicology of modernist composers Interpretations of music-drama works Documentation of artistic networks and legacy materials Recent publications highlight her expertise in archival methodologies applied to composer estates, as well as digital music innovation. Her lectures address topics ranging from escape room archival experiences to Ligeti interpretation by the ensemble 'die reihe'. She is based at the Krems campus, contributing to the university's cultural heritage and arts research initiatives.
Claudia Schojan is a Professor at the Medical University of Vienna (MUK), specializing in Vocal and Opera studies. She holds a teaching authorization in speaking and is affiliated with the Department of Vocal and Opera Studies. Her research focuses on vocal techniques, opera performance methodologies, and the intersection of medical science with voice production. Consultation hours are available by appointment via email. Professional contact details include a Vienna-based postal address at Singerstraße 26/I, 1010 Vienna. She can be reached via +43 681 20694667 (mobile) or +49 1705247100 (external). No specific academic awards or grants are listed in the provided materials. No listed research teams, labs, or collaborative projects are mentioned in the current data.
Christiane Büttig is a Professor for Choir and Ensemble Conducting at the Mozarteum University's School of Music & Art Education. She holds a dual background in music and sports sciences from Rostock and Greifswald universities, with advanced conducting training in Dresden and masterclasses under Simon Halsey. Her career spans over 200 concerts worldwide with prestigious ensembles like the Berlin Philharmonic and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Key roles include leadership of the Dresden University Choir (2012–2024), artistic director of KlangVerwaltung Choir (since 2019), and choral preparations at Semperoper Dresden for productions like *Turandot* and *Lohengrin*. She has guest-conducted across Europe and directed the 'In terra pax' international choral academy (2017–2021). Notable collaborations include Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with Riccardo Minasi and Kent Nagano's Brahms project at Hamburg Elbphilharmonie. Teaching positions included Munich University of Music (2022–2024) and Vienna's University of Music and Performing Arts.
Stephan Hoellwerth is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Artist at the Department of Conducting, Choral, and Wind Band Conducting at the University Mozarteum Salzburg. He specializes in orchestral and choral conducting, music education, and dramaturgy. His professional roles include leadership of ensembles such as the Kammerchor Salzburg, Bad Reichenhall Philharmonic Orchestra, and Musikum Salzburg orchestras. He has held positions as musical director, répétiteur, and chapel master, alongside teaching music theory, composition, and conducting at institutions like Musikum Salzburg and Salzburg College. Education: Studied conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and completed dissertation studies at the University Mozarteum Salzburg with distinction. Research focuses on conducting techniques, ensemble leadership, and music history. He has lectured widely on music topics, including opera dramaturgy for the Salzburg Festival and music history at VHS Salzburg. His work extends to music criticism for Salzburger Nachrichten and dramaturgical roles in orchestras and radio productions. Organizational contributions include roles with the Musical Youth of Austria, Österreichischer Rundfunk (radio broadcasts), and the BarockPur! association. His teaching portfolio spans music theory, ear training, and ensemble conducting, complemented by adult education initiatives like the “Joy of Music History” lecture series.
Juliane Vogel is a Professor of Literary Studies at the University of Konstanz, Germany, holding a W3-Professorship since 2007. She has established an international reputation through numerous visiting professorships at NYU (2020), Johns Hopkins University (2016), University of Chicago (2014), and Princeton University (2009, 2006). In 2020, she received the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany's highest research honor. Her academic journey began at Vienna University where she completed both her doctorate (1987) and habilitation (2001) before accepting her current position. Her educational background includes: Studies in German and English at Vienna University, Austria (1978) Studies at Albert Ludwig University Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (1981) Dissertation: "Philologische Idyllen. Antiken-Rezeption im Jungen Wien" at Vienna University (1987) Habilitation: "Die Furie und das Gesetz. Die große Szene in der Tragödie des 19. Jahrhunderts" at Vienna University (2001) Professor Vogel's research focuses on European dramatic traditions with particular expertise in avant-garde theater, European drama, and drama and opera from the 18th to 20th centuries. Her work explores modern aesthetics, especially the role of cutting in texts, and the dramaturgy of the "great scene" in 19th-century tragedy. She has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between text and performance, with publications examining Racine and Nietzsche, Goethe's Pandora, and the aesthetics of appearance on stage. Her scholarship bridges literary studies and performance studies through historical analysis combined with theoretical approaches. Her publications reveal a consistent focus on textual and performative structures, with recent work expanding to include refugee theater and migration representation in contemporary performance. This evolution demonstrates her ability to connect historical scholarship with pressing contemporary issues while maintaining rigorous theoretical frameworks. Professor Vogel's recognition includes: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz-Preise (2020) Siemensstiftung, München (2020) Fellow of the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (2018/2019) Max Kade Distinguished Visiting Professorship (2016) Research Grant from Erwin Schroedinger-Stiftung (1995-1996) She has supervised numerous doctoral students including Janine Firges (completed 2016), Sylvia Gschwend, Bernice Kaminskij, Viktor Konitzer, Ursula Rüger, and Julia Timm. As co-editor of Deutsche Vierteljahrsschrift für Literaturwissenschaft und Geistesgeschichte (DVjs) since 2013 and member of the Cluster of Excellence (EXC16), she plays a significant role in shaping literary scholarship. Her research has been supported by German Research Foundation (DFG) grants and other major funding bodies. Professor Vogel actively leads the NOMIS project "Traveling Forms" and the Leibniz project while collaborating on the research project "Cultural Poetology of Appearance" with Prof. Dr. Christopher Wild and Prof. Dr. David Levin. Her research group at Konstanz focuses on cultural foundations of integration within the Cluster of Excellence, maintaining strong connections with international academic networks including the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin where she was a fellow in 2018/2019.
Gesine Manuwald is a Professor of Latin at University College London, specializing in Latin literature, its reception, and Neo-Latin studies. She has held significant academic positions, including Senior Lecturer at UCL (2007–2011) and Heisenberg Fellowship at Freiburg (2003–2007). Promotion: 1998 Habilitation: 2000 Her research focuses on Roman drama, Latin literature, and the transformation of classical sources in later periods. Her publications include critical editions, commentaries, and monographs on works such as Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica, Pacuvius' tragedies, and Cicero's Philippics. Her scholarly output spans studies on Roman Republican theatre, fragmentary Roman drama, and the reception of classical texts in operatic contexts, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to classical scholarship. Förderpreis der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität (2000) Heinz-Maier-Leibnitz-Preis der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (2001)
Professor Mücke Panja serves as Vice President for Research and Teaching at the University of Music and Performing Arts Mannheim, where she has held the full professorship in Historical Musicology since 2015. Previously, she served as Director of the Institute for Music Research (2017–2019) and held adjunct professorships across German universities, including a one-year term at the University of Vienna (2012/13). She earned her PhD in 2000 (awarded the Marburg University Dissertation Prize) and habilitation in 2008 at Philipps University Marburg. Her research focuses on 18th-century opera, 20th-century theatre/film music, and European court music cultures. She is president of the German Musicological Society (GfM) and co-director of the Hof | Music | City Research Center in Schwetzingen. Panja has authored/co-authored six edited volumes, over 50 articles, and serves on editorial boards for major musicological journals. Education: PhD (2000), Habilitation (2008) from Philipps University Marburg Awards: 2002 Marburg University Dissertation Prize Leadership roles: Vice President (2019–present), President of GfM (2021–present) Key research areas: Opera history, performance practice, music-medial intersections Her recent publications explore topics like Händel's operas, Puccini's late works, and the role of programme sheets in Mannheim opera production. Panja actively engages in academic governance, serving on committees for digitalization, cultural heritage, and diversity in music.
Laszlo Gyüker is a Hungarian-born conductor and lecturer specializing in operetta. Since September 2018, he has been a Lecturer for the Operetta course at the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK). His career includes extensive work in operetta performance and direction, spanning festivals and theaters across Europe. He studied at the Graz University of Arts (Magister der Künste, 2008). From 2010–2012, he served as Kapellmeister for Bühne Baden, managing a broad operetta repertoire. He directed operettas at the Lehár Festivals Bad Ischl (2009–2017), including *Das Land des Lächelns*, *Die Csárdásfürstin*, and *Die Fledermaus*. In 2018, he debuted at the Volksoper with *Die Csárdásfürstin* and led a production of *Die Fledermaus* at Tirana Opera. As Musical Director of the Budapest Operetta World Theater and Operettenbühne Wien, he toured Germany with productions like *Die Zauberflöte* and *Gräfin Mariza*. Since 2014–2019, he was Artistic Director of the Luisenburg Festspiele. Recent engagements include conducting *My Fair Lady* at the Volksoper during the 2019/20 season.
György Handl is a Lecturer and repetiteur at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) and the Anton Bruckner Institut of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw). He currently serves as Solo- und Klassenkorrepetitor at mdw and Ensemble-Korrepetitor for the Classical Operetta program at MUK. His work spans collaborations with renowned groups like the Collegium Vocale Wien, Wiener Staatsopernchor, and Wiener Comedian Harmonists. Education includes a diploma from the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest (2005) and a Master’s in Vocal Repetition at the Konservatorium Wien Privatuniversität (2016). Specializes in opera, operetta, and choral accompaniment, with notable projects including The Infernal Comedy (John Malkovich) and Wolfgang Mitterer’s PlayZero . Research interests focus on vocal and ensemble coaching, historical performance practices, and pedagogical methods in classical music. Maintains long-term affiliations with the Chorus sine nomine (since 2006) and the Wiener Ensembles, emphasizing collaborative artistry and academic rigor.
Univ.-Prof. Christian Koch is a distinguished Austrian pianist and academic, serving as Professor of Vocal Accompaniment and Vocal Ensemble at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) since September 2017. Previously, he taught at the Carinthian State Conservatory in Klagenfurt and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His career spans over three decades, marked by collaborations with world-class artists and conductors such as Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Daniel Harding, and Valery Gergiev. Prof. Koch’s expertise lies in lieder and opera performance, combining stage artistry with pedagogical excellence. He has accompanied renowned singers like Thomas Hampson, Luca Pisaroni, and Florian Boesch in iconic venues including the Vienna Musikverein, Wigmore Hall (London), and the Berlin Philharmonic. Recent highlights include the opera gala 'No Tenors Allowed' at Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris) and performances of Krenek’s *Reisebuch aus den österreichischen Alpen* with Florian Boesch. His artistic research focuses on bridging vocal and instrumental techniques with stylistic authenticity, emphasizing historical context in musical interpretation. While no specific grants or labs are detailed, his teaching integrates practical performance with scholarly rigor, shaping future generations of vocalists and accompanists.
Juliette Mars is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Music of the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK). She maintains an active international performance career alongside her academic role, specializing in opera, baroque, and contemporary music. Since 2010, she has been a sought-after singing teacher, and since 2015, she has coached French pronunciation for choirs and professional singers. Performance Highlights: Over 45 roles at the Vienna State Opera since 2006/07 Notable roles: Muse/Nicklaus (Vienna Volksoper’s Les contes d'Hoffmann ), Titania ( Oberon ), Brangäne ( Tristan und Isolde ), and Wagner’s Parsifal at Toulouse Opera Guest artist at Kammeroper Wien and Theater an der Wien Teaching & Coaching: French pronunciation coaching for opera repertoire Regular masterclasses and voice pedagogy Upcoming Engagements: 2021: Waffenschmied (Theater an der Wien) 2022: Jenufa (Vienna State Opera)
Melba Ramos is a Professor and a core ensemble member of the Volksoper Wien since the 2004/05 season. She completed her training at the Conservatorio Pablo Casals in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has established herself as a leading lyric soprano with a focus on classical and historical operatic roles. Her career spans major European and international stages, including roles such as the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), and Violetta (La Traviata). Education: Conservatorio Pablo Casals, San Juan, Puerto Rico Research Interests: Specialization in operatic repertoire, historical performance practices, and vocal artistry. Her career highlights include acclaimed performances in works by Mozart, Verdi, and Haydn, with a particular emphasis on Baroque and Classical-era operas. Awards: First Prize, Metropolitan Opera Auditions, District, 1987 Advising/Grants: No explicit details on advising or grants provided. Active in artistic research through MUK's doctoral programs. Labs/Teams: Member of the Volksoper Wien ensemble and affiliated with the MUK Faculty of Music's vocal and opera programs.
