Young man from São Leopoldo is the only Brazilian selected at an opera festival in Germany Richard Mickael, aged 22, was the only Brazilian selected in 2026 to participate in one of the most renowned opera exchange and improvement programs in Europe. The young man, born in São Leopoldo, in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, is studying Music at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and received a scholarship for this year's edition of the Berlin Opera Academy festival, in Germany. Richard began studying violin at the age of eight. At 12, he participated in his first festival and has already traveled to the United States to improve his skills. "From an early age I had a lot of resourcefulness, combined with a lot of dedication, which brought me here", he says. For him, being approved at the festival, which brings together artists from 20 countries, is the achievement of a great objective. "Being in Berlin has always been one of my biggest dreams, because of the city's influence on the history of music and, of course, because of the extremely high artistic level," he says. The musician received a scholarship that covers the cost of the course and rehearsals. But the benefit does not include tickets, accommodation and food. To make it possible to go and stay in Europe, Richard created an internet campaign. "Any contribution is very welcome, in addition to showing this video to someone you know and making this news reach as many people as possible. This is essential for my participation in this festival in Berlin to be possible", says the violinist on social media. In Berlin, Richard must play two of Mozart's most famous and important works: "The Magic Flute" and "The Marriage of Figaro". "[The works] are fundamental to learning the specific challenges of playing in opera productions", he explains. During his participation in the project, the gaucho will also have the opportunity to participate in training with orchestra leaders and professors from European conservatories. Young man from São Leopoldo is the only Brazilian selected at an opera festival in Germany Richard Mickael/Personal Archive VIDEOS: Everything about RS