Hertogenbosch - International Vocal Competition 's-Hertogenbosch

For more than a week, the IVC transforms the city of ’s-Hertogenbosch into a vibrant meeting place for the world’s most promising voices. After auditions across Europe, Asia, and the USA, forty outstanding singers will be selected to participate in the Main Rounds and Finals at Theater aan de Parade, performing with the renowned symphony orchestra Philzuid, conducted by Grammy Award-winning Karen Kamensek.

The competition offers far more than prizes. Participants receive personal feedback from an international jury of leading professionals — under the distinguished leadership of Sir David Pountney — take part in masterclasses and workshops, and build lifelong artistic connections. Every singer performs at least twice — in both opera and oratorio repertoire — ensuring a rich and rewarding experience for all that includes mentorship and career guidance.

In addition, Anne-Maartje Lemereis, Composer Laureate of the Netherlands, is writing the new commissioned work ‘Feathers’ especially for this edition of the competition. This world premiere will be performed by all participating singers, underscoring the IVC’s commitment to fostering collaboration between composers and performers and to showcasing contemporary Dutch music on an international stage.

The IVC values innovation, excellence, diversity, and well-being. Collaborations with fashion academies and designers celebrate the dialogue between music and style. The competition actively supports artists from underrepresented regions, offers travel grants and host-family accommodation, and provides mental-health and career-coaching resources.

With a total prize fund of €50,000, concert engagements, mentorship opportunities, and international exposure through OperaVision’s global livestream, the IVC Opera | Oratorio Competitions is a launchpad for the next generation of vocal talent.

Discover the stage where voices inspire — and careers begin!