Meet the next generation of Opera singers striving for stage stardom

They are young opera singers, they've finished their studies, and now they are ready to embark on an exciting singing career.

In this episode of Musica, we follow young, inspiring singers from the International Opera Studio in Zurich as they work tirelessly to achieve their dream.

The British tenor Maximilian Lawrie and Swiss soprano Chelsea Zurflüh are part of the International Opera Studio, founded in 1961. It’s the first of its kind, and a pioneer for many academies today.

“You mainly learn what this profession is all about [...] It's not only acting and singing. It's also personal things. What are my goals? What do I want to achieve? Where do I actually want to go? You have to time and plan everything really well,” Chelsea Zurflüh told Musica.

The Opera Studio marks an important transition between studies and a professional career.

“It's really a bridge," explained Thomas Barthel, the Deputy Manager of the International Opera Studio. "We are giving them the opportunity to train every day for one or two years. And they get their experience with us - and at the same time - on the main stage."

With a lot of empathy, the teachers create a safe space for these young artists. Voice coaching, master classes and lessons in stagecraft are at the heart of the training.

"What can you do with your eyes? What is happening? What can you do with your back? All of that is important on stage," said the studio's Management Assistant, Renata Blum.

Maximilian Lawrie studied singing in Oxford and London in the UK. He is among 18 young singers from around the globe who have the chance to learn from the best.

"The main thing is having teachers and staff who are absolutely invested in you and you've got the time to develop without the pressure of