On Sunday, September 1st, the third season of ‘Aria’ started on the Dutch television channel NPO1. In this talent show for young opera singers, a notable contestant graced the stage: MM Soloist Leander Carlier.
In ‘Aria’, a professional jury will spend eight Sundays searching for new opera talent in the Netherlands. Each episode will see the selected candidates put to a test, to prove that they master all aspects of the opera profession. Famous opera arias will be performed, but the contestants are also challenged to move beyond the boundaries of the genre. The winner will earn a spot at the Dutch Nationale Opera Studio, a highly coveted opera training programme at De Nationale Opera in Amsterdam.
Twenty-four-year-old baritone Leander Carlier is stepping into the arena. “My in-laws used to joke around that a television show like this would be something for me. However, I quickly became convinced that it could really enrich my career—not only because it would allow me to introduce myself to the Dutch audience, but also because it would offer me a groundbreaking experience as an artist. During the competition, you’re required to study unfamiliar music in just one day, and during your performance, you suddenly have to take into account the cameras around you. Those are exciting challenges.”
Since 2020, Leander has been part of the MM Academy, the talent programme of La Monnaie, where he has received personal coaching and gained stage experience as part of the choir and in small solo roles (most recently in The Nose and Henry VIII). “The MM Academy has absolutely helped me through my participation in ‘Aria’, says the MM Soloist. “The stage opportunities I've had at La Monnaie have been an advantage and put me more at ease during my TV performances. On top of that, I was able to study the repertoire for my audition and the first two episodes with the help of coach Angélique Noldus.”
We wish Leander every success in the continuation of his journey, which you can follow every Sunday at 9:20 pm on MAX, NPO1.
In September and October, La Monnaie opens its doors for these two prestigious events, which showcase the heritage of Brussels in the firm belief that it’s essential to understand the city’s past in order to shape its future.
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Next year, the non-profit association 'Mortier Awards' will present the Mortier Next Generation Award, for the fourth time. This prize, worth € 30,000, supports artistic projects of young artists in keeping with the spirit of Gerard Mortier, former La Monnaie director and great innovator of the art form opera.
