Comparing the Data
Despite being 28 times smaller than the United States, there are 4 times the number of performances in Germany as there are in the USA. There are double the amount of new productions done each season, largely do to substantial government funding and the understanding of the Opera Industry as a cultural heritage.
Germany has what is called the Fest System that provides more full-time salaried positions for chorus singers, soloists, arts administrators, directors, conductors, and orchestra musicians (the list goes on…) than any other country in the world. These artists receive a 13 month salary, paid vacation, parental leave, pension fund, healthcare, and unions much with much stronger leverage than in the USA.
What does this mean for you as a singer? Many many more better paid and more stable opportunities.
An overlooked benefit
One of the often overlooked benefits of moving to Germany to pursue a career in Opera is how your life could look if you ‘fail’ to find that fest job or ever get hired by an opera house. While there are more opportunities in Europe, great voices can sometimes never find the traction they deserve because there are simply so many singers and so few jobs.
It’s a truth that amazing artists fall through the cracks and you can do that in the US or you can do that in Germany. Why not fail in a country where there are incredible opportunities to expand your skill-set? Maybe you discover you make a fantastic Regisseur (Stage Director) or Intendant (General Manager). Maybe you make use of the country's fantastic low-cost education system and follow another passion. Will you write a more interesting life story by staying in the US or moving abroad when you are young?
Only you can answer that question.
Questions?
Write me - DM me on Instagram @marthaeasonsoprano or sign up for a 1:1 coaching session here