Répétiteur

The National Opera of Iceland seeks an experienced répétiteur/staff pianist to join its Music Department in a full-time, permanent position. Auditions will be held in Reykjavík from 21 to 24 September 2026.
The National Opera of Iceland is a state-run company that is part of the National Theatre of Iceland. It is resident at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík and performs both traditional repertoire and contemporary works as well as running education, outreach and artist development programmes. The company currently maintains an ensemble of six full-time singers and collaborates with all major orchestras in Iceland. The opera performs both in Reykjavík and throughout the country. 

The role of répétiteur/staff pianist encompasses:

• musical preparation of the ensemble members
• accompanying stage and musical rehearsals as well as auditions
• keyboard performance duties with the orchestra and chamber ensembles
• accompanying singers in recitals
• assisting the Music Director and guest conductors as required

Requirements:

• a university degree in piano, vocal coaching or conducting
  excellent piano skills
• at least 2 years’ professional experience as a répétiteur
• ability to rehearse in English
• good working knowledge of the main operatic languages (Italian, French, German)
• proficiency in Icelandic or the willingness to learn Icelandic

The opera offers:

• an exciting opportunity to work in a professional and creative environment as part of the establishment of a new opera company
  a permanent position as a state employee in Iceland following a 6-month probational period
• salary and employment terms according to Icelandic union contracts, including 6 weeks’ annual leave
• additional benefits as part of the National Theatre of Iceland, including subsidised lunches and sustainable travel allowance
  assistance with learning Icelandic if needed

Audition information

The auditions will take place from 21.09 to 24.09 in Reykjavík, by invitation only. Candidates should prepare:

• Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, 2nd act finale (Esci omai)
• Bizet: Carmen, act 2 quintett (Nous avons en tête)
• Richard Strauss (one of the following):
  Rosenkavalier, Ouverture and Octavian aria (Wie du warst)
  Salome, Judenquintett (Das kann nicht sein);
  Elektra, Mägde-Szene (Wo bleibt Elektra?)
• piano solo work of your own choice

Candidates invited to audition will receive additional repertoire and excerpts approximately two weeks in advance.
Additional information
The National Opera of Iceland reserves the right not to appoint any candidate if the applicant pool does not meet the above qualification criteria.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome once the recruitment process has been completed.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender or background.
The application deadline is August 24, 2026. The position commences on Jan 1, 2027. To apply please send a CV and a cover letter in English or Icelandic to richard.schwennicke@leikhusid.is
For further information, please contact Richard Schwennicke, Music Director, richard.schwennicke@leikhusid.is