Currently Head of Music at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, a position he has held since 2017, Christopher will take up his position with the Academy in September 2023.
Christopher’s role at Deutsche Oper involves coordinating rehearsals and coaching at one of the busiest opera houses in Europe, as well as auditioning and casting. He works the ensemble members in role preparation and rehearsals, as well as advising young singers on career development.
His career as a pianist and conductor also includes work for the Glyndebourne Festival, the Bayreuth and Salzburg Festivals, Frankfurt Opera, English National Opera and Opernhaus Zürich.
Christopher studied piano and piano accompaniment, and completed his Doctoral work on the music of Gustav Mahler, at the Royal Academy of Music. His role in the Vocal Studies department will include musical direction of vocal faculty scenes alongside extensive opera coaching for postgraduate and 4th year vocal students. Christopher will also contribute to the Academy’s research culture through his own research projects.
Chris said:
'I’m thrilled to have the chance to encourage and empower emerging opera professionals at the Royal Academy, where I took my own first steps in the opera world. I hope to bring an infectious enthusiasm and optimism for all aspects of this great art form: the initial study, the collaborative rehearsal process, and the thrill of bringing the results to an audience.'