Viktoria Erickson

During my research, which aimed at examining audience engagement with opera in Germany, and performance stay at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater (HfMT) in Hamburg, I collaborated with composition students and American librettists to create new opera compositions.

Despite some initial challenges involving composer participation, meeting deadlines, and engaging other singers and pianists, I successfully organized feedback sessions, edited, revised, rehearsed, and performed the new opera compositions. One highlight was a well-received concert showcasing our work, which garnered positive attention and attendance. Additionally, a significant part of my research after the DAAD-Stiftung funding period involved a one-week residency at the HfMT in Munich, where I collaborated closely with compositional students, culminating in two successful concerts.

These experiences allowed me to directly apply the knowledge gained from my time in Hamburg to another German university, resulting in another fruitful collaboration with an American opera company.

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HfMT promotional photo of Victoria Erickson and just before the start of her showcase

Researching and performing at the HfMT was an enriching experience. The institution provided excellent practice, rehearsal, and performance facilities, fostering a conducive environment for creativity and collaboration. Interactions with students and faculty were friendly, and my one-week residency in Munich allowed for intensive collaboration with compositional students, leading to productive outcomes in the form of two concerts. I also connected with the wider Hamburg community through surveys regarding audience participation and engagement at the Staatsoper, conducting interviews with specific patrons.

I disseminated this survey in person, enabling me to have anecdotal conversations with opera patrons and gather empirical information. One patron and I, an 80-year-old German woman, even maintained an email relationship together and went out to dinner to further discuss opera and life in Germany.

One of the significant achievements of my research stay was establishing a network bridging an international cohort of singers, composers, and librettists, particularly through collaborations with Really Spicy Opera and the Aria Institute in the USA. This network will facilitate ongoing transatlantic operatic creation, enriching the domestic and international opera scene.

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Victoria Erickson charms the audience

My upcoming project involves premiering the title role in a new chamber opera titled "The Miller’s Daughter," funded with support from the Iowa Arts Council. This opera, created using the singer-informed compositional model, exemplifies my commitment to advancing opera creation. Additionally, I plan to collaborate further with Really Spicy Opera’s Aria Institute and contacts made in Germany to expand singer-informed new opera creations in universities in the USA and abroad, hopefully back in Germany.

As an American, adapting to everyday routines and cultural differences in Germany was challenging and rewarding. I encountered typical differences, such as adhering to traffic rules, adjusting to store closures on Sundays, and navigating the public transportation system. In contrast, the United States seems never to sleep or take time to rest. Humans are isolated in their vehicles. While I appreciate the convenience of shopping whenever I want or hop in the car when I need to get somewhere, I miss the intention and camaraderie of carving in rest to my schedule and walking to catch the next bus or train.

Neither is better than the other; they’re just different. Learning to lean in to living in a different culture was part of the fun.

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Exploring German history: In front of the magnificent castle in Schwerin and the impressive gate in Lübeck

However, I found the people in Hamburg generally kind, especially as I attempted to learn and practice German daily. I always seemed to run into the same cashier at the grocery store, and he always greeted me with a friendly “Moin!” and was patient with my German. Luckily, I noticed that German generally have less of a penchant for small talk than Americans, so it felt normal to keep things short! One of my favorite everyday interactions was getting my nails done at a salon near my flat in Hamburg. The nail technicians were also learning German as a second language, and we would struggle through conversations together, laughing when we couldn’t figure out what the other was saying. Through positive experiences like this, my comfort and bravery in communicating in German increased exponentially during my time abroad. I look forward to continuing my language studies back in the USA.

One of my singer friends was an American who had lived in Hamburg for 15 years. After a sunny day exploring some of the Christmas markets around Hamburg, she invited me to a Christmas party where everyone spoke German. It was one of many great opportunities to fully immerse myself in the language. Everyone was patient with me as I struggled with my intermediate German skills with friendly faces. My faculty advisor also began speaking to me only in German, which was great practice for my language skills in an academic setting.

My research at the HfMT has profoundly shaped my academic trajectory. It broadened my perspective, transitioning me from primarily identifying as a performer to embracing both performance and academia. I am now dedicated to promoting singer-informed operatic composition in universities, focusing on enhancing audience engagement and fostering connections between musicians and patrons. I believe in advancing opera as an art form as much as my own vocal development.

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Enjoying a coffee in Hamburg and a relaxed stroll through the historic "Speicherstadt"

Through my research stay, I forged valuable connections with professors, composers, and colleagues in Hamburg and Munich. Due to the collaborative nature of the professors and composers, I do not doubt they will lead to continued working relationships. I sang through the soprano role of my faculty advisor’s new opera premiering in Bremen in 2025, providing feedback and strengthening our relationship as collaborators. I also have potential projects in the works with a German pianist I worked with in Hamburg and a Chinese composer.

These relationships are expected to endure beyond my time in Germany, potentially leading to future collaborations and opportunities. I also appreciate the support and mentorship provided by my sponsor, Dr. Michael Aven, whose guidance was instrumental in facilitating this cultural exchange.

My absolute favorite part of Hamburg was the Speicherstadt. This was the port of Hamburg and served as the warehouse district. While many buildings are now shops and museums, it’s the absolute best part to walk around in. One of my friends in Hamburg, a fellow DAAD scholar pursuing her Ph.D., and we used to grab a coffee and walk all afternoon, stopping at the Elphilharmonie for the views or the bridge with locks overlooking the port. My favorite restaurant in the city, Zum Spaetzle, was a 20-minute walk from the Speicherstadt, making for a well-rounded afternoon and evening.

I also spent ample time at the Staatsoper conducting surveys and enjoying excellent singing. While I did plenty of traveling outside of Hamburg, two cities nearby that standout were Schwerin and Luebeck. I especially loved the Hanseatic Museum in Luebeck where I learned more about the Hanseatic League and the history of the whole region, including Hamburg.

While many experiences stand out, I will treasure most the relationships I formed with mentors and colleagues worldwide. Through my project funded by the DAAD-Stiftung, I was fortunate to work with students and professionals from Germany, Austria, China, Poland, Norway, and The United Kingdom. These connections transcend borders and enrich my personal and professional life. The cultural immersion and unique experiences, such as interacting with locals and exploring German cuisine, will remain etched in my memory. Between artistic enrichment, professional connections, and cultural immersion, I can’t thank the DAAD-Stiftung enough for facilitating this life-changing experience. It has changed the trajectory of my performing and academic life.