Career

Over 20 years career

Ainhoa has performed over 20 different operatic roles

She has sung on many of the most renowned European stages

Opera Singer since 2001

More than 20 diferent roles and numerous performances debuted

PAGLIACCI

Nedda, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, Spain 2023

la traviata

Violetta, Oper Leipzig, Germany 2022

Mozart Requiem

Soprano, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, Spain 2021

Don giovanni

Donna Anna, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, Spain 2020

die zauberflöte

Pamina, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, Spain 2019

LA BOHÈME

Mimi, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, Spain 2018

OrphÉe et Euridice

Euridice, Teatro Victoria Eugenia, Donostia, 2018

La traviata

Violetta, Auditorio Kursaal Donostia, 2016

Carmen

Micaela, Gran Teatre del Liceu 2012

le nozze di figaro

Susanna, Ópera de Colombia, 2012

La bohème

Musetta, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona 2012

don pasquale

Norina, Glyndebourne Festival, England 2011

le nozze di figaro

Susanna, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, Spain 2011

Don Giovanni

Zerlina, Teatro Campoamor, Ópera de Oviedo, Spain 2009

Così fan tutte

Despina, Glyndebourne Festival England 2006 and 2007

hänsel und gretel

Gretel, Oper Leipzig, Germany 2005

Die zauberflöte

Pamina, Oper Leipzig, Germany 2004

Artistic Director since 2014

 Making of, Barbiere di Siviglia
Teatro Victoria Eugenia 2015, Opus Lirica

Making of, Rigoletto
Auditorio Kursaal 2015, Opus Lirica

Singers Coach & Teacher

Ainhoa is a passionate coach believing in the intrinsic potential of every singer she works with.

I met Ainhoa at the Opera Studio Leipzig course in 2022. She is extremely humble, friendly, and her genuine desire to aid aspiring singers is evident. She has razor sharp ears and she is extremely knowledgeable about the voice. Her extensive knowledge of vocal technique have significantly contributed to the rapid development of my voice in such a short time. I feel lucky to have found such an incredible teacher.

Florence Chong

Coloratura Soprano from Malaysia

I met Ainhoa about three years ago and for me it was a «before and after». Not only does she have knowledge of the instrument in its most technical aspect, but she also has an impressive knowledge of the repertoire and how to approach it. Patient, positive, very demanding and sincere in what she sees as good and bad in the student in order to improve it, would be some of the characteristics that I would highlight in her pedagogical side.

Alba Fernández

Soprano from Valencia Spain

I met Ainhoa for the first time at the Opera Studio Leipzig in 2021. Her way of teaching captivated me immediately, I felt comftable in her presence. She understood within a few lessons what was my issue and presented straight ahead a solution for it. We continued with online lessons and I always felt supported by her. She is a guide for life, not just for singing. Her musicality and musical faithfulness, empathy, enthusiasm and comprehension are overwhelming and unique!

I feel really lucky to have met her!

Lara María Clara

Soprano from Italy

Thanks to the classes with Ainhoa, I have found comfort and ease when it comes to singing. I have been able to create a solid technical base, and I have learned many resources to improve and use during the study. During the masterclasses I have had a very good experience in terms of a very familiar atmosphere, and a very close relationship that allows me to have a lot of confidence when it comes to singing.

Cristina Tena

Mezzosoprano from Barcelona, Spain

The best thing about Ainhoa is… Ainhoa. When you get to know her you realise that as well as being a great artist, teacher and cultural promoter, she is also a beautiful person. I see her as a «Queen Midas» of singing who turns everything she touches into gold.

Listen to me tenor! Work with her and she will make you shine!

Alvaro Andrés Lara

Tenor from Madrid, Spain.

My experience with Ainhoa was quite enriching, and we only worked for 10 days, during the Leipzig Opera Studio. She is an excellent coach and her methods of vocal technique are very enlightening. She is a very warm person, and during our exchange she gave me a lot of confidence in my goals.

Leire Viscarret

Mezzosoprano from Venezuela

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Opera Studio Leipzig. The meticulously crafted curriculum proved to be incredibly engaging, allowing me to acquire a wealth of practical knowledge and skills that I will carry with me throughout my career. The experience was made all the more memorable by the company of my kind and engaging classmates, in particular the lovely Ainhoa Garmendia and Maia Medrano. Thanks to their unwavering support and backing, I landed the role of Tonio in the opera » Pagliacci«, which has undoubtedly been a milestone in my artistic career.

Hao Wen

Baritone from China

Since I met Ainhoa in a masterclass at Musikene, her treatment of me has been second to none. In addition to very useful advice on vocal technique and interpretation, whenever I have come to her she has always responded with interest, attention and, very importantly, always with a smile on her face. You can tell she loves what she does. On the other hand, I am grateful for all her dedication to improving the situation of opera in Donostia. Opus Lirica has given me the opportunity to audition in the Basque Country for local and also international professionals of the opera world.

Lara Sagastizabal

Soprano from Bilbao, Spain

New project 2024

Codina Arsits’ Community is a new concept aimed at helping opera singers enter the opera worl.

OPUS LIRICA & DARSTELLENDE KÜNSTE LEIPZIG

Ainhoa Garmendia created Opus Lirica in San Sebastian, Spain. Since 2014, she has produced and sang over 15 complete operas and concert events. She has also created the first Opera and Zarzuela Competiton in San Sebastian and has dedicated herself to live music projects for families and school children like Opera Txiki, Opera in family to name a few.
. +Info: Opus Lirica

In 2021 she founded the project Bühne Nr.1 with dancer and choreographer Maia Medrano in Leipzig, Germany: an Opera Studio to guide and support young opera graduates to better integrate into the world of opera and its business side, which is very often neglected in a singer’s education. Since then, young artists have attended seminars and Masterclasses in Germany, Spain and Italy given by renowned music managers, agents and stage directors as well as professional singers like Ms Garmendia herself. +Info: Darstellende Künste Leipzig

Audition-Masterclass

Paper de Música
Capellades (Barcelona)
19-23rd December 2023

Ainhoa Garmendia and Alessio Coppola offer a very special masterclass. Technique, repertoire, workshops, interviews and much more.

Applications deadline: 30th of november 2023

Discography

3 Opera Live Recordings:

– Despina in Così Fan Tutte (BBC, Glyndebourne Festival, 2006).

– Eurydice (Decca, Teatro Real Madrid, 2009)

– L’arbore di Diana (Dinamic, Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona, 2012).

Own production of a CD of basque traditional songs:

– Bihotzeko Amalur (Elkar, Donostia 2007).

if you think I can help you as a teacher or as a coach, please contact me