Welcome to IMA

The Internationale Meistersinger Akademie (IMA) offers emerging artists an exceptional environment of excellence in the city of Neumarkt i.d.OPf. for the study of all areas of classical singing. The program under the direction of Prof. Dr. Wiens takes place in the beautiful city of Neumarkt i.d.OPf., Germany, and includes opera gala concerts with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, a song recital recorded by the Bavarian Radio/Studio Franken, a cabaret concert led by Craig Terry (Lyric Opera of Chicago), continuous voice lessons with Prof. Wiens and coaching, as well as master classes with weekly changing guest professors and much more. In the context of two auditions attended by 30 leading opera directors, casting directors, agents and organisers, IMA offers a unique opportunity to make contacts on site and develop career path strategies.

News

Anniversary concert

The IMA is celebrating its 15th anniversary! On April 30, 2026, the anniversary concert will take place at the Historischer Reitstadel in Neumarkt i.d. OPf. ...

IMA wins the Operalia competition

Last night in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the Placido Domingo Operalia Competition, two of our IMA graduates won awards. Georgian mezzo-soprano Ekaterine Buachidze swept the board, ...

Opera Verace Foundation-International Meistersinger Academy Young Artist Award

In the 2026 season, there will be a prize for three singers from our generous sponsors at the Opera Verance Foundation! http://operaverace.org

ALL NEWS

Faculty

Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Edith Wiens

After her long and illustrous career, Edith Wiens enjoys mentoring young singers. Opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera New York, Covent Garden London, Frankfurt, ...

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KS Brigitte Fassbaender

Legendary mezzosoprano Brigitte Fassbaender debuted at the age of 21 at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, which led to an international career spanning four ...

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Thomas Lausmann

Thomas Lausmann was appointed Director of Music Administration at the Metropolitan Opera at the beginning of the 2019/20 season and served as Head of Music ...

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ALL FACULTY