MikulskiArt Foundation Opera Academy
Voice. Stage. Personality. Opera.
Master Vocal Course with Caroline Isabel Merz – soloist of the Vienna State Opera
17–22 August 2026
Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice
MAFOA 2026 is an intensive master vocal course created for those who wish to develop their voice, deepen their stage awareness, prepare repertoire for competitions, concerts, examinations, auditions for opera houses and artistic agencies
Opera begins with the voice, but is fulfilled through personality
A master vocal course for those who want to sing consciously, beautifully and truthfully.
The MikulskiART Foundation invites singers, students, music school pupils, vocal pedagogues and vocal ensembles to take part in a unique artistic and educational event: MIKULSKIART FOUNDATION OPERA ACADEMY – PABIANICE 2026.
MAFOA 2026 is an intensive master vocal course created for those who wish to develop their voice, deepen their stage awareness, prepare repertoire for competitions, concerts, examinations, auditions for opera houses and artistic agencies – or simply work on their own programme under the guidance of an outstanding pedagogue and artist of the world’s leading stages.
It is a space where vocal technique, interpretation, language, breath, dramaturgy, musical imagination and stage personality form one artistic whole.
“The voice is an instrument of the body, but the art of singing is born where technique meets emotional truth.”
Who is MAFOA 2026 for?
For singers who want to enter more deeply into the art of opera
MAFOA 2026 is addressed to a broad group of participants – both those who already appear on stage and those who are only preparing for their artistic path.
We invite:
- professional singers who wish to deepen their interpretation and prepare concert or operatic repertoire;
- students of music academies working on arias, songs, opera scenes, examinations and auditions;
- music school pupils who want to develop the foundations of vocal technique and stage awareness;
- young singers seeking inspiration, direction and professional pedagogical guidance;
- singing teachers and vocal pedagogues interested in methodology, didactics and the observation of master-level work;
- vocal ensembles wishing to work on shared vocal emission, sound, articulation and musical coherence.
This course is for everyone who wants to prepare for competitions, concerts, recitals, examinations, auditions for opera houses and artistic agencies – and also for those who simply wish to understand their voice more deeply and work on repertoire of their own choice.
A Master of Vocal Art – Caroline Isabel Merz
Soprano | Opera Wiedeńska / Wiener Staatsoper / Vienna State Opera
The leading pedagogue of MAFOA 2026 will be Caroline Isabel Merz – an internationally renowned soprano, associated for decades with the Vienna State Opera, one of the outstanding interpreters of the music of W.A. Mozart, and an artist with immense stage, concert and pedagogical experience.
As a soloist of one of the most important opera houses in the world, she has collaborated with distinguished conductors, directors, creative teams and stage partners. Her repertoire includes great Mozart roles as well as parts from the opera, operetta, song and contemporary music repertoire.
Her performed roles include, among others: Pamina, Contessa, Donna Anna, Fiordiligi, Konstanze, Queen of the Night, First Lady, Violetta, Mimi, Lucia, Leonora, Frau Fluth, Micaela, Norina, Adina, Rosina, Rosalinde, Reagan and Manon.
A special place in her artistic activity is also occupied by the song repertoire – from Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Strauss and Mahler to Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Copland, Barber, Rossini, Verdi and Brahms.
For many years, Caroline Isabel Merz has been deeply committed to teaching, sharing her knowledge and experience during master vocal courses in Europe, the USA, Japan and China.
“Good singing begins with breath. Great interpretation begins with the courage to tell the truth.”
What makes MAFOA 2026 unique?
Intensity, individuality and genuine work on the artist
MAFOA 2026 is not merely a series of singing lessons. It is a comprehensive process of working with the singer as a musician, actor, interpreter and stage personality.
Each active participant will have the opportunity to work individually and in groups every day. The classes will cover the technical, interpretative, dramaturgical, linguistic, psychological and methodological aspects of singing.
At the heart of the course lies the conviction that the voice does not exist separately from the person. A singer must know their instrument, understand the text, control the breath, master the body, hear the music, understand style and have stage courage.
“Technique gives freedom. Interpretation gives it meaning.”
Open Classes – Learning Through Observation
All course classes are open to participants and the public. Thanks to this, MAFOA 2026 becomes not only an individual course, but also a living space for the exchange of experience.
Participants can learn not only during their own lessons, but also by observing the work of other singers – their technical challenges, interpretative decisions, the search for stage truth and their development over the successive days of the course.
This is one of the greatest values of master vocal courses: the chance to see that every voice has its own path, its own history and its own solutions.
Course Languages
Classes will be conducted in:
German, English, Italian and French.
The international character of the course allows participants to work in the languages natural to the great operatic and song repertoire, while also preparing them for the realities of international auditions, competitions and stage collaboration.
Final Concert
From workshop work to meeting the audience
The course will conclude with a public concert by the participants in the Concert Hall of the Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice.
The final concert will take place on 22 August 2026 and will be an artistic summary of the intensive course work. For active participants, taking part in the concert is an important element of the process – an opportunity to confront the results of their work with a live audience, a real stage space and the emotion of performance.
The concert programme will be determined during the course.
“The stage is a place of trial – but also a place where artistic courage is born.”
Course Programme
The technical classes will be devoted to conscious work on the vocal apparatus and the foundations of healthy voice production.
The scope of work includes, among others:
- voice production;
- breath control;
- posture work;
- articulation;
- pronunciation exercises;
- freedom of resonance;
- body awareness;
- technical stability;
- clarity of phrase and sound.
The aim of this block is to develop a technique that does not limit the artist, but enables them to sing freely, naturally and safely.
2. Musical and dramaturgical block – from note to character
Opera requires not only a beautiful voice, but also an understanding of the role, text, dramaturgy and stage relationships. For this reason, an important part of the course will be work on interpretation and the stage meaning of the performed repertoire.
Participants will work on:
- understanding the role being performed;
- choosing the appropriate vocal technique for the character being created;
- building musical expressive power;
- shaping an individual interpretation;
- developing and promoting one’s own artistic personality;
- working with text and emotion;
- stage presence;
- relationship with the audience;
- coping with stress and stage anxiety.
An important element will also be mental training and practical acting work in front of course participants and the public.
“On stage, it is not enough to sing a note. One must know why that note has to sound precisely at that moment.”
3. Methodological block – for singing teachers and vocal pedagogues
MAFOA 2026 is also a space for vocal pedagogues, teachers and those interested in the didactics of singing.
The methodological block will be devoted to observing the process of working with the voice, analysing performance challenges, exploring ways of guiding young singers, and reflecting on effective, responsible and artistically inspiring vocal pedagogy.
It is an excellent opportunity to look at the teaching of singing from the perspective of international practice, stage experience and many years of work with the operatic repertoire.
”"Discover the full potential of your voice"
Course Schedule
Monday, 17 August – Friday, 21 August 2026
10:00–13:00 – course opening, voice production, individual and group classes
14:30–19:00 – individual lessons, repertoire work
Saturday, 22 August 2026
10:00–13:00 – voice production, individual and group classes
14:30–18:30 – rehearsal for the concert
19:00–20:30 – final concert by the participants
A detailed class schedule will be presented
to the participants at the beginning of the course.
Participation Categories
Course participants may take part in the following categories:
Active participant
(Active participation in individual and group classes, repertoire work and participation in the final concert.)
Observer participant
(Observation of classes and the opportunity to follow the process of working with the voice, interpretation and stage.)
Teacher / vocal pedagogue
(Participation in methodological classes and observation of master-level work.)
All participants will receive diplomas or certificates confirming their participation in the course.
Fees
Professionals: EUR 300
Students / pupils: EUR 230
Observer participants / teachers: EUR 160
The number of places is limited. Admission will be decided by the order of applications and fulfilment of the participation criteria.
Honorary Patronage
Grzegorz Mackiewicz
Mayor of the City of Pabianice
Why take part?
MAFOA 2026 is an opportunity for intensive work with a world-class pedagogue, for gaining new technical tools, deepening interpretation, preparing repertoire and overcoming stage limitations.
- It is a course for those who want to sing not only correctly, but truthfully.
- For those who know that the voice requires daily work, but that art also requires imagination, courage and sensitivity.
- For those who wish to encounter a master, the audience and themselves – in music.
“A singer does not merely perform music. A singer becomes its voice.”
Course Venue
Zbigniew Herbert Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice
Kościuszki 14
95-200 Pabianice
Poland
Pabianice becomes a place of intensive encounter between young talents, professional singers, pedagogues and opera lovers – a space where artistic education connects with the living experience of the stage.
In case of questions, please contact:
MikulskiART Foundation
e-mail: info@mikulskiart.com
tel./WhatsApp: +48 507 222 558
Your voice. Your interpretation. Your stage.
Join the master vocal course and allow your voice to sound more fully, more consciously and more beautifully.
Fill out the application form
Rules and Regulations
MIKULSKIART FOUNDATION OPERA ACADEMY - PABIANICE 2026
1. General Provisions
- The organizer of the vocal course entitled MIKULSKIART FOUNDATION OPERA ACADEMY – PABIANICE 2026, hereinafter referred to as the Course or MAFOA 2026, is the MikulskiART Foundation, hereinafter referred to as the Organizer.
- The Course will take place from 17 to 22 August 2026 at the Zbigniew Herbert Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice, ul. Kosciuszki 14, 95-200 Pabianice, Poland.
- The opening of the Course is scheduled for 17 August 2026 at 10:00.
- The Course will be led by Caroline Isabel Merz – a world-renowned soprano, soloist of the Wiener Staatsoper / Vienna State Opera, and an outstanding interpreter of opera repertoire, art song and the music of W.A. Mozart.
- The Programme and Organizational Director of the Course is Prof. Dr. hab. Dariusz Mikulski – President of the MikulskiART Foundation.
- The aim of the Course is to enable participants to develop intensively in the areas of vocal technique, musicianship, interpretation, methodology and stage performance under the guidance of an outstanding vocal pedagogue.
- These Rules and Regulations define the principles of participation in the Course, the conditions for applications and payments, the organization of classes and participation in the final concert.
2. Nature of the Course
1. MAFOA 2026 is a master vocal course addressed to persons wishing to develop their vocal, interpretative, stage and pedagogical skills.
2. The Course includes individual and group classes, work on vocal technique, repertoire, musical interpretation, stage dramaturgy, text, articulation, breathing, voice production and preparation for public performances.
3. The Course may serve as preparation for:
- concerts and recitals,
- vocal competitions,
- examinations at music schools and academies,
- auditions for opera theatres,
- auditions for artistic agencies,
- work on any selected vocal repertoire.
4. Classes will be held with the participation of a pianist-accompanist.
5. All classes may be open to Course participants and to the public, subject to the Organizer’s decision.
3. Course Participants
1. The Course is intended for:
- professional singers,
- students of music academies,
- pupils of music schools,
- young singers preparing for further artistic education,
- singing teachers and vocal pedagogues,
- vocal ensembles,
- persons interested in observing masterclass work.
2.Course participants are divided into the following categories:
a) Active participant – a person taking an active part in individual and group classes, working on their own repertoire and participating in the final concert.
b) Auditor – a person observing classes without active participation in individual lessons.
c) Singing teacher / vocal pedagogue – a person participating in the Course as an observer and participant in methodological classes.
d) Vocal ensemble – an existing vocal group taking part in classes to an extent agreed individually with the Organizer.
3. The Organizer reserves the right to limit the number of active participants.
4. Admission to the Course is determined by the order of applications, completeness of application documents, fulfilment of the participation criteria and the Organizer’s decision.
4. Applications
1. Applications for the Course are accepted electronically via the application form available on the website of the MikulskiART Foundation.
2. The deadline for submitting applications is 12 August 2026, unless the Organizer decides to extend the deadline or close the list earlier due to the places being fully booked.
3. The application should include:
- the participant’s first name and surname,
- contact details,
- participation category,
- a short artistic biography or information about previous musical education,
- the proposed repertoire to be worked on during the Course,
- any additional information required in the application form.
4. Submitting the application form constitutes acceptance of these Rules and Regulations.
5. The Organizer will inform participants electronically about their admission to the Course.
6. The Organizer reserves the right to refuse an application without being obliged to provide a detailed justification, in particular if the limit of places has been exceeded.
5. Fees
1. The fees for participation in the Course are as follows:
- Active participants – professionals: EUR 300
- Active participants – students / school pupils: EUR 230
- Auditors / teachers: EUR 160
2. The fee should be paid by bank transfer to the Organizer’s bank account:
- Fundacja MikulskiART
- IBAN for foreign currency transfers: PL55 1140 2004 0000 3812 1834 9536
3. The transfer title should state:
- MAFOA 2026 – participant’s first name and surname
4. The payment deadline is 12 August 2026, unless the Organizer agrees on another payment deadline with the participant.
5. Failure to make payment by the specified deadline may result in the participant being removed from the list of admitted persons.
6. If the Course is cancelled by the Organizer, the fee paid will be refunded to the participant in full.
7. The Organizer does not cover the costs of travel, accommodation, meals, insurance or any other individual costs of the participant, unless separate arrangements provide otherwise.
6. Course Programme
1. The Course Programme includes in particular the following areas of work:
a) Vocal technique
voice production, breath control, posture, resonance, articulation, pronunciation, freedom of the vocal apparatus and work on sound quality.
b) Musical interpretation
work on phrasing, style, text, emotion, the character of the work, artistic personality and individual interpretation.
c) Repertoire work
preparation of opera arias, songs, stage excerpts and other works indicated by the participant and accepted for work during the Course.
d) Musical and dramaturgical work
understanding the performed role, the relationship between music and text, building a stage character, dramaturgical awareness and stage presence.
e) Stage and mental work
coping with stage stress, fear of the audience, concentration, stage communication and public performance.
f) Methodology of singing pedagogy
classes dedicated in particular to singing teachers and vocal pedagogues, including observation of masterclass work and issues related to vocal didactics.
2. The teaching languages of the Course will be: German, English and Italian.
3. The detailed class schedule will be presented to participants at the beginning of the Course.
4. The Organizer reserves the right to make changes to the Course Programme, class schedule and order of lessons if justified by organizational or artistic reasons.
7. Course Outline Schedule
Monday, 17 August – Friday, 21 August 2026
10:00-13:00 – opening of the Course, voice production, individual and group classes
14:30-19:30 – individual lessons, repertoire work
Saturday, 22 August 2026
10:00-13:00 – voice production, individual and group classes
14:30-18:30 – rehearsal for the final concert
19:00-20:30 – final concert of participants
8. Final Concert
- The Course will conclude with a final concert of participants on 22 August 2026.
- The concert will take place with an audience in the Concert Hall of the Zbigniew Herbert Municipal Cultural Centre in Pabianice.
- Participation in the final concert is obligatory and free of charge for active participants, unless the Organizer decides otherwise for artistic or organizational reasons.
- The concert programme will be determined during the Course by the leading pedagogue in consultation with the Organizer.
- The Organizer reserves the right to select the participants and repertoire presented during the final concert.
- The participant undertakes to take part in the rehearsals preceding the final concert.
9. Participants’ Obligations
1. Participants are obliged to:
- observe the Course schedule,
- follow the instructions of the leading pedagogue and the Organizer,
- maintain proper personal conduct towards the teachers, other participants, the audience and the institution’s staff,
- prepare the repertoire indicated in the application,
- provide sheet music for the pianist-accompanist in a legible form,
- observe the rules in force at the Course venue.
2. An active participant should bring the sheet music of the repertoire intended for work during the Course.
3. The Organizer may refuse a participant participation in classes or in the final concert in the event of a serious breach of the Rules and Regulations, behaviour disrupting the Course, or failure to follow the instructions of the teachers.
10. Diplomas and Certificates
- All Course participants will receive diplomas or certificates confirming their participation in MAFOA 2026.
- Active participants will receive diplomas of participation in the master vocal course.
- Auditors and teachers will receive certificates of participation or observation of classes.
- The condition for receiving a diploma or certificate is participation in the Course in accordance with the declared application category.
11. Photo, Video and Promotional Documentation
- During the Course and the final concert, the Organizer may create photographic, video and audio documentation.
- By applying to participate in the Course, the participant consents to the free use of their image recorded during the Course and the final concert in promotional, documentary and informational materials of the MikulskiART Foundation.
- The materials may be published in particular on the Organizer’s website, in social media, and in the Foundation’s press, promotional and archival materials.
- The consent referred to in this paragraph covers the use of the image solely in connection with the statutory, educational, artistic and promotional activities of the MikulskiART Foundation.
12. Personal Data Protection
- The controller of participants’ personal data is the MikulskiART Foundation.
- Participants’ personal data will be processed solely for the purpose of organizing the Course, contacting participants, handling applications and payments, issuing diplomas or certificates, and carrying out informational activities related to the Course.
- Providing personal data is voluntary, but necessary in order to participate in the Course.
- The participant has the right to access their data, correct it and request its deletion in accordance with applicable legal regulations.
13. Organizer’s Liability
- The Organizer will make every effort to ensure that the Course takes place in accordance with the announced programme and at the highest artistic and organizational level.
- The Organizer is not liable for items lost, damaged or left unattended by participants.
- The Organizer is not liable for random events, illnesses, transport delays, technical problems or other circumstances beyond the Organizer’s control.
- The participant takes part in the Course at their own responsibility.
- The Organizer recommends that participants have appropriate health and accident insurance.
14. Organizational Changes
- The Organizer reserves the right to make changes to the programme, schedule, order of classes, rehearsal times and concert time if necessary for organizational or artistic reasons or due to circumstances beyond the Organizer’s control.
- The Organizer reserves the right to cancel the Course in the event of circumstances preventing its implementation.
- If the Course is cancelled by the Organizer, participants will receive a refund of the participation fee paid for the Course.
- The Organizer is not liable for additional costs incurred by the participant, in particular travel, accommodation, meals or private booking costs.
15. Final Provisions
- Submitting an application to participate in the Course constitutes acceptance of these Rules and Regulations.
- Participants are obliged to comply with the Rules and Regulations and with the rules in force at the Course venue.
- In matters not regulated by these Rules and Regulations, the decision shall be made by the Organizer.
- The Organizer reserves the right to interpret these Rules and Regulations.
- The Rules and Regulations enter into force on the date of their publication on the website of the MikulskiART Foundation.
16. Contact
For questions concerning the Course, please contact:
Fundacja MikulskiART
e-mail: info@mikulskiart.com
tel./WhatsApp: +48 507 222 558
