Conservatorium Maastricht was delighted to share that two of its students represented the conservatoire in the semi-final of the Viva Classic Vocal Contest: soprano Kristine Paseka and soprano Luna Gräfin von Hardenberg. They were among the twelve promising young opera singers who competed on Sunday 13 July at Theater Mönchengladbach for a place in the final.
The jury based its decision entirely on vocal quality and stage presence. This resulted not only in a strong line-up of soloists, but also in a broad representation of candidates from various conservatoires in Limburg and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
The semi-final proved to be an inspiring occasion. In addition to their individual auditions, the candidates took part in an open masterclass, led by the internationally renowned soprano Barbara Haveman. On 30 August, world-famous soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek gave a masterclass for the finalists at De Maaspoort in Venlo.
The final took place on Sunday 31 August at Domani Venlo. The winner was awarded a special guest performance at the Viva Classic Live open-air concert, held from 4 to 7 September, featuring internationally acclaimed soloists.
Semi-Finalists 2025
- Anna-Maria Koßbau – Mezzosopran, Detmold
- Kristine Paseka – Soprano, Alumnus Conservatorium Maastricht
- Maria Portela Larisch – Sopran, Cologne
- Luna Gräfin von Hardenberg – Soprano, Conservatorium Maastricht
- Jeanne Jansen – Sopran, Essen
- Jessica Stakenburg – Alto-Mezzo, Dordrecht
- Tetiana Bielokoneva – Lyrical Soprano, Essen
- Anastasia Kolabanova – Soprano, Essen
- Antonia Busse – Soprano, Mönchengladbach
- Hojin Chung – Bass, Detmold
- Chen Li – Tenor, Essen
- Anzhelika Bondarchuk – Soprano, Cologne
Conservatorium Maastricht warmly congratulated Kristine and Luna on their selection and wished them every success in the semi-final.