(Credit: Gert Krautbauer)

The Savonlinna Opera Festival has announced the appointment of Jan Schweiger as its new Chorus Master.

Schweiger studied choral and orchestral conducting and subsequently graduated with honors from the Mozarteum University Salzburg. He has worked as the chorusmaster and conductor of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen in Belgium since 2014. Prior to this, his engagements have included conducting the Heidelberg Opera chorus and singing in the Arnold Schoenberg Choir in Vienna. Schweiger also won a young artist’s award in Heidelberg in 2009.

“It’s an exciting and historic moment for us to start working with a new chorus master, who has built his career at the forefront of European opera. I’m confident that with Schweiger, we can further enhance the high profile and artistic punch of our choir,” said Savonlinna Opera Festival Artistic Director Ville Matvejeff. “At the audition, we witnessed wonderful chemistry between Schweiger and our choral ensemble.”

“We will have an inspiring and fulfilling time together, there is no question about that. In my audition, I immediately noticed that this chorus isn’t only made of excellent voices but also of singers passionate about opera. This means that besides singing, these people want to tell a story with their entire being. The best opera choruses manage to live the opera on stage and have an even bigger impact on the audience without losing any of their musical excellence. I really feel this strongly and we will make the most of it, together with the fantastic conductors and directors who will be working with us,” said Schweiger of his appointment.

Schweiger’s contract covers the 2022 and 2023 festivals with an option to continue for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.