The association CEE Musiktheater was founded in April 2004 by Deutsche Bank Stiftung together with the Austrian State Secretariat for the Arts and Media.

The aim of this cross- border initiative is the future-oriented promotion of the existing music theatre in Central and Eastern Europe as a driving force of cultural life.

In the past, the Vienna State Opera and the Cultural Foundation of Deutsche Bank has organized several “opera directors’ conferences” in Vienna. During these meetings, the idea, which eventually led to the foundation of the association CEE Musiktheater was born: the creation of a supporting network for countries in the region where music theatres have to deal with difficulties caused by insufficient budgets.

This joint initiative contributes to the artistic quality of the productions, in which every supporting action corresponds to a particular request by each opera house.

 The presently assisted partner opera houses were chosen after numerous talks with the respective directors.

To react to the individual needs of the opera houses, 4 programs with different focal points were established. The aim of these programs is to enhance and strengthen the status of the music theatre in the region by providing favourable general conditions long-term.

 The emphasis of the 4 programs is:

.) the support of young singers (P1)
.) the increase of the exchange of experiences between students and graduates of Western European music and art academies and the teams of the partner opera houses (P2)
.) the intensification of the collaboration between the single opera theatres (P3)
.) the targeted sponsoring in the form of contributions in kind or consulting (P4).

 Is there a more rewarding challenge than assisting the music theatre of Central- and Eastern Europe as it heads towards the future?

CEE Musiktheater and its initiators are looking forward to it.