Biography
Education
Dutch bass-baritone Nico Wouterse studied at the conservatories of Maastricht and Amsterdam. Initially trained in classical saxophone, he later pursued voice and opera studies under the guidance of Mya Besselink at the Maastricht Conservatory, Margreet Honig in Amsterdam, and Jean-Pierre Blivet in Paris. Nico further enriched his artistry through masterclasses with Leo van Oostrom, Robert Holl, and Semjon Skigin, as well as private lessons with renowned tenor René Kollo.
Engagements
Wouterse began his operatic career at the Trier Theatre, making his debut as Leporello in *Don Giovanni*. During his time as a permanent member of the company, he had the opportunity to meet his future coach and mentor, Daniel-Lewis Williams. His career continued to flourish with further engagements, including joining Johannes Felsensein's ensemble at the Anhaltisches Theater Dessau while also performing as a guest opera singer. Notably, Wouterse captivated audiences with his portrayal of Escamillo at the Schwerin festivals and the "Oper Schenkenberg" in Switzerland.
Wouterse has performed at numerous prestigious German theaters, including the Cologne Opera and the state theaters of Oldenburg, Cottbus, Mainz, and Saarbrücken. His talent has also graced the Weimar National Theatre and renowned opera houses in Riga, 's-Hertogenbosch, Warsaw, and Liège.
In 2016, Wouterse joined the Koblenz Theatre as a permanent member, where he took on iconic roles such as Leporello, Figaro, Scarpia, the Forester in The Cunning Little Vixen, and the title role in Wagner's The Flying Dutchman.
Roles
Wouterse's repertoire spans an impressive range of roles, including Escamillo, Leporello, Figaro, Warlaam, Scarpia, Don Pizarro, Kaspar, Wotan/Wanderer, Ramfis, Banquo, Padre Guardiano, Klingsor, Holländer, and Wotan.
Beyond his distinguished career as an opera singer, he is also an accomplished concert and lied performer, specializing in bass roles in masses and oratorios by composers such as Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Elgar, and Verdi.
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All pictures on this subpage were taken by Matthias Baus for the Theater Koblenz.
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