_{OPERA PLACES} Martina Myskohlid takes us to Amsterdam, NL

City where you’re working?
Amsterdam, Netherlands!

How long are you working on contract?
I am in my first year of the Opera Studio, so I’ll be here until the end of the 2024/25 season.

What’s the opera house like?
It’s gorgeous. Beautiful, plush red seats and a huge stage which can accommodate approximately 1600 guests (which is quite large in Europe). The best way to describe the feeling of entering the house, for me, is warmth. It’s a very comfortable and inviting space. Also, so much of what you see on-stage is created in-house, such as the costumes, wigs, and props – the building is huge, with over 600 staff-members! You never know who you’re going to sit next to for lunch at the “Artistenfoyer” which is the recently-renovated elevated cafeteria with delicious meals prepared in-house by a great team of chefs.

Dutch National Opera House © Nationale Opera & Ballet

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
On the bridge overlooking the lit-up opera house at night, naturally. There’s also a bench in front of the house, beside the canal, which is the best on sunny days. I like to sit there between rehearsals or coachings, even if briefly, to take a few deep breaths and soak up the sun.

Best coffee or tea?
There are at least three really great coffee machines on every floor of the opera house which are free for us to use (and make a delicious cappuccino), but one of my favourite weekend activities is to walk to Erasmus Park with my dog, Lucy, and get a coffee from the little cafe in the park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
There’s a place called Cafe Langereis that is the unofficial ”watering hole” of the opera studio and cast members which is conveniently located just over the bridge from the house. It’s your typical tiny, local pub with friendly staff and good beer, and you’re almost always guaranteed to see a friendly face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Boat tours are very popular in Amsterdam and although mostly touristy, they are totally worth it. I’ve been twice since moving here and there’s something so relaxing about having a glass of wine while cruising through the canals. Bonus if you go at night and sneak a peek into the permanent houseboats!

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Daily street markets! My go-to is just a short five minute bike ride from my apartment (because distance here is measured in minutes by bike, of course), and Lucy and I go weekly for fresh hummus and olives.

How did you find your accommodation?
Amsterdam has a huge housing crisis. For example, students get accepted to universities or exchanges here and end up withdrawing because they don’t find housing on time. How disappointing! Personally, after months of daily searching and applying with no avail, I flew here to begin my contract and lived in a hotel for the first month. The opera company ended up arranging a beautiful apartment for myself and my roommate (the soprano in the studio) but it was difficult to source, even for them. Now, technically, we rent from the company and the apartment will be passed on to future studio members after we’ve finished our contract!

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
This career has led me to live in five different apartments in three different countries so far, and the most important thing for me is just to feel safe. I always look for proximity to the opera house because it’s often dark once the rehearsal day is done, or very late by the time the opera has ended. And, of course, for me, somewhere dog-friendly and bonus points if there’s a dog park around the corner (like where I am now!)

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
Not yet, but there’s a great museum card valid for one year which you can purchase for 60 euros and gets you in to over 500 museums in the Netherlands. I need to get one!!

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
In terms of the city, if you’ve never been to Amsterdam, add it to the list! You’ve got to experience it for yourself. In terms of the career, it’s a tale as old as time – don’t stop following your dreams! I always knew I’d move to Europe to join the opera scene over here. Think deep and hard about where you see yourself in this career, and expect to make some difficult choices. This is the first year I’ll be missing Christmas with my family in Toronto because Die Zauberflöte runs from December 1-28, but my family couldn’t be happier for me. I’m living my dream in one of the coolest cities in Europe! If you find yourself here or plan to visit, please reach out! I love connecting with Canadians abroad, and I’d love to see you at the opera!