Suzana Češnjaj
About
Suzana Češnjaj, Mag.Mus.
Opera Singer (Soprano)
Suzana Češnjaj was born in 1988 in Varaždin, Croatia, where she received her first musical education. From an early age she showed a strong interest in music and singing, which led her to pursue professional vocal studies and develop a successful career as a classical singer.
Academy of Music, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Master of Music (mag. mus.), graduated cum laude, 2012, Class of Prof. Žabčić-Hesky
Suzana further refined her vocal technique through masterclasses with distinguished artists including Tomislav Mužek, Vitomir Marof, Cornelius Witthoefft, Dunja Vejzović and Silvia Dalla Benetta.
* Finalist, Lions Grand Prix Young Artist Competition, Rijeka (2005, 2007)
* 1st Prize – Regional Singing Competition, Croatia
* 2nd Prize – National Singing Competition, Croatia
In 2009 she made her operatic debut as Despina in Mozart’s *Così fan tutte* at the Summer Opera Festival in Croatia.
Since then, Suzana has performed regularly in concerts in Croatia and abroad.
2013 – 2018
Radio Symphony Choir of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) – Soloist II
During this period she also collaborated with the choir of the Croatian National Theatre (HNK).
2018 – 2020
Voice teacher at a Secondary Music School. Her students achieved first prizes at national music competitions.
Since 2020 she has been working as a vocal coach for her husband, an international opera singer. She travels with him to various international projects and regularly observes rehearsals in major opera houses, working alongside some of the world’s leading singers and conductors.
2020 – Munich Radio Orchestra
Recording of the opera *Ero the Joker (Ero s onoga svijeta)* conducted by Maestro Ivan Repušić. Suzana performed the role of Čonanče.
Throughout her career, Suzana Češnjaj has collaborated with numerous renowned conductors, including Niels Schweckendiek, Martina Batič, Borut Smrekar, Uroš Lajovic, Pavle Dešpalj, Nikša Bareza, Ivan Repušić and Valerij Poljanski.
Teaching Style
My teaching approach is based on healthy vocal technique, musical understanding and individual development of each student. I focus on building a solid technical foundation, including breath support, vocal freedom and natural sound production.
At the same time, I encourage students to develop musical expression, stylistic awareness and confidence in performance. I adapt my methods to the individual needs and abilities of each singer, creating a supportive and motivating learning environment.
My goal is to help students discover their own voice and artistic identity while developing reliable vocal technique.
Curriculum
My teaching method is based on developing a healthy and natural vocal technique through correct breath support, body awareness and vocal freedom. I work with students on posture, breathing coordination and efficient sound production in order to build a stable technical foundation.
Lessons usually combine technical exercises, vocalises and repertoire work. Special attention is given to diction, musical phrasing, stylistic understanding and expressive interpretation.
I adapt my teaching to the individual needs, voice type and level of each student, helping them develop both technical security and artistic confidence.
Credentials & Affiliations
Master of Music (M.Mus.), Academy of Music, University of Zagreb, Croatia (2012), graduated cum laude.
Former Soloist II, Radio Symphony Choir of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) (2013–2018).
Voice Teacher, Secondary Music School (2018–2020).
Collaborator with the Choir of the Croatian National Theatre (HNK), Croatia.
Vocal Coach working with international opera productions since 2020.