After completing her secondary education (Matura), piano and vocal studies, and a Master’s degree in Italian Interpreting from the University of Vienna, Evamaria Wieser began her professional career at the Holender Theater Agency in Vienna. In 1980, she joined the artistic administration office (Künstlerisches Betriebsbüro) of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
In 1990, she began working with Gerard Mortier at the Salzburg Festival, where she served as Director of Artistic Administration from 1992 to 2001. She held the same position from 2002 to 2004 at the newly founded RuhrTriennale, while simultaneously preparing for Gerard Mortier’s directorship at the Paris Opera. From autumn 2004 to 2011, she returned to the Salzburg Festival as Director of Artistic Administration under the leadership of Peter Ruzicka, Jürgen Flimm, and Markus Hinterhäuser. In 2008, the "Young Singers Project" was established there, which she directed from 2009 to 2011. From 2001 to 2015, she also served as a consultant for the Salzburg Easter Festival.
Since 2008, she has been the European Casting Consultant for Lyric Opera of Chicago, advises on the casting of numerous special projects, and is a frequent jury member for various major international vocal competitions.
From October 2016 to October 2018, she once again worked as Director of Artistic Operations at the Salzburg Festival; since November 2018, she has held the position of Casting Consultant. In addition, she has also been directing the Young Singers Project again since 2015.
Here is what she says about DEBUT:
"The DEBUT competition offers young singers a fair opportunity, while the required contemporary piece also presents a real artistic challenge. I am always fascinated by how differently this work can be interpreted. I also deeply appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, the excellent and very personal care given to participants – and of course the chance to enjoy the beautiful palace gardens during the breaks."
