The Royal Conservatoire The Hague welcomes mezzo-soprano, director and creator Cora Burggraaf as the new Head of the Professional Integration and New Audiences and Innovative Practice (NAIP) department. Burggraaf, an alumna of the Conservatoire, returns to her alma mater following an international career.
As a soloist, Burggraaf has performed on leading stages around the world, including the Royal Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Salzburger Festspiele and Dutch National Opera. Since 2019, she also works as a creator and stage director. She creates her own music theatre performances under the flag of her foundation Spinthout and works on commission, with ensembles such as Calefax and Philzuid. She has been teaching at the Royal Conservatoire since 2021.
‘I consider it an honour to return to this wonderful institution after many travels,’ says Burggraaf. ‘I am eager to contribute to the development of our field by helping to educate the creative and critical musicians of tomorrow in an inspiring and motivating environment. Of course, Renee Jonker, my predecessor, cannot simply be replaced – he meant so much to the Royal Conservatoire and did truly remarkable work. I look forward to continuing his legacy and building on his achievements.’