Possessing a rare vocal range and remarkable versatility, Iris van Wijnen has performed extensively on leading international opera stages, including the Bayerische Staatsoper, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, Salzburger Festspiele, Aldeburgh Festival, Die Hamburgische Staatsoper, Staatsoper Hannover, Dutch National Opera, La Monnaie/De Munt, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.
Her operatic repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods. Notable roles include Wagner’s Waltraute, Roßweiße, Grimgerde, Wellgunde, Zweite Norn, Mary, Blumenmädchen, and Stimme aus der Höhe; Verdi’s Fenena and Flora; Mozart’s Marcellina and Zweite Dame; Humperdinck’s Gertrud; Larcher’s Saiko (Das Jagdgewehr); Nicolai’s Frau Reich; Rossini’s Berta; Strauss’s Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin; Turnage’s Wife, Doreen, Waitress, and Sphinx (GREEK); Prokofiev’s Sonjetka; Janáček’s Forester’s Wife, Owl, and Poklízečka; and Dvořák’s Kuchtík.
A particular highlight of her contemporary repertoire is the role of Clitemestra, which she performed in the world premieres of Salvatore Sciarrino’s Il canto s’attrista, perché? and L’Agamennone. Her performances received widespread critical acclaim and established her as a compelling interpreter of contemporary opera.
As a concert soloist, Iris has performed major orchestral song cycles and concert works including Ravel’s Shéhérazade, Saariaho’s Quatre Instants, Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder, and Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’Été.
Song recital occupies a central place in her artistic life. She has appeared in recital at renowned festivals such as the Heidelberger Frühling, where she has explored a broad repertoire ranging from the Romantic Lied tradition to contemporary song.
Her oratorio repertoire includes Bach cantatas, Handel’s Messiah, Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Verdi’s Messa da Requiem.
Iris is an alumna of the Opera Studio of the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich and a graduate of the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands.
She has further refined her artistry through masterclasses with distinguished musicians including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Thomas Hampson, Leontina Vaduva, and Graham Johnson. She has also worked closely with Brigitte Fassbaender, Gregory Lamar, and Valerie Sorel.