You do not have to be an opera connoisseur to have heard of the phenomenon of Stephen Milling. With his dark, powerful and rich bass voice, he has impressed the audience in prominent concert halls all over the world, from Vienna and London to Seattle and New York. After completing his vocal training at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Milling joined the Royal Danish Theatre in 1994, where he immediately made a name for himself playing leading roles in works by Mozart, Verdi and Wagner. A few years later he made his international breakthrough at the iconic La Scala in Milan in the role of Rocco in Beethoven's 'Fidelio'.

Wagner in particular has become synonymous with Stephen Milling's career. The Danish star is considered one of the leading interpreters of the German composer's bass roles, including Gurnemanz in 'Parsifal' and Hagen in 'Götterdämmerung'. The latter has brought him critical acclaim from the Financial Times, among others, which has called Milling's performance "outstanding".

In Børssalen, Stephen Milling will present tailor-made repertoire, including Brahms, Wolf and Nielsen. Concert pianist Ulrich Stærk has been an internationally sought-after name for more than three decades - and has repeatedly shone in the Copenhagen Opera Festival programme.