Jan K ristof SchliepFoto: Hanneke van Harrevelt

Operatic Tenor with Character

Jan Kristof Schliep grew up in Bremerhaven and Hanover and studied opera singing with Prof. G. Faulstich at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH). While still a student, he made guest appearances in "Die Nase (The Nose)" and "La Belle Hélène" at Theater Lübeck, as well as in "Gräfin Mariza" and "Der junge Lord" at Stadttheater Hildesheim.

After graduating, he was engaged at the TfN · Theater für Niedersachsen (TfN) in Hildesheim, where he performed over 40 roles spanning a wide range from Spieltenor and buffo to character roles. These included Monostatos, the Witch ("Hansel and Gretel"), Bob Boles ("Peter Grimes"), David ("Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg"), and rare works such as "Der zerbrochene Krug" (Ullmann) and "Doctor Faust" (Busoni). For his outstanding achievements, he was awarded the Artists’ Prize by the Friends of the TfN.

As a freelance singer, he increasingly focuses on character and youthful heldentenor roles. He is particularly noted for his clear diction and strong stage presence. His artistic development is supported by his work with opera coach Axel Heil.

Recent Engagements

In the 2025/26 season, Jan Kristof Schliep will take on another six performances as Walter in Weinberg’s "Die Passagierin" at Theater Krefeld Mönchengladbach.

· 2024/25: Emperor Altoum in Puccini’s "Turandot" at Stadttheater Bremerhaven; Ktesiphar in d’Albert’s "Die toten Augen" at Theater Altenburg Gera; Walter in Weinberg’s "Die Passagierin" at Theater Krefeld Mönchengladbach.

· 2022–2024: Walter in "Die Passagierin", Lothar in "Du sollst nicht lieben", and Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus" at Theater Altenburg Gera.

· 2021–2023: Monostatos/1^st Armed Man in "Die Zauberflöte", and Ringmaster and Wenzel in "Die verkaufte Braut (The Bartered Bride)" at Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landestheater.

You can find a full list of roles and productions >here<.

He has worked with renowned directors including Dedi Baron, Johannes Reitmeier, Urs Häberli, Werner Pichler, Jakob Peters-Messer, and Anthony Pilavachi. Particularly influential was his regular collaboration with Prof. Hans-Peter Lehmann. He recently participated in masterclasses with Arnold Bezuyen and Jendrik Springer.

Jan Kristof Schliep lives in Nieuwegein (Utrecht/NL) and is a member of the artists’ collective ensemble artists e.V

Further Information

Detailed biography (DE/EN/NL): [Biography Jan Kristof Schliep]
Tabular CV with repertoire list: [CV and Repertoire Opera]