Hertogenbosch - International Vocal Competition 's-Hertogenbosch

Theatre in Song is the only competition of its type based in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. 

Theatre in Song is a unique competition to showcase a more dynamic way to present the classical vocal art form of song and seeks to inspire artists to engage more fully with audiences in a celebration of voice and music.

Theatre in Song requires artists to be curious, to research, to curate and to present a fully worked through and thematically planned out presentation with the emphasis on communication, dramatic presentation and storytelling.

Theatre in Song encourages artists to think outside of the box as to how they wish to present themselves and their partners in a theatrical presentation.

Theatre in Song is a dramatic presentation with a duration of 40-45 minutes. The presentations are to be developed within themes such as climate change, love, social (in)equality, etc. Each program is to be given a title to reflect its theme.

Theatre in Song repertoire can be drawn from any classical art song compositions; the core art song repertoire of German Lieder and French mélodies may feature as part of this project but presented in a theatrical way together with new works and works that show an awareness of diversity.

Preliminary Jury Andrew Watts International countertenor, General & Artistic Director IVC, Lisenka Heijboer Castañón stage director & theatre maker, Nino Gvetadze pianist & artistic director Delft Chamber Music Festival, Waut Koeken stage director & Intendant Opera Zuid, Manuela Ochakovski soprano and voice teacher.

Theatre in Song Jury are pianist and BBC Radio 3 presenter Iain Burnside, soprano Yvonne Kenny, bass Robert Holl, programmer for the Royal Concertgebouw Corné Ran, musicologist and artistic director of Musica Viva Australia Paul Kildea, actor, theatre and opera director and founder of theatre company Complicité Simon McBurney and General Director of the Britten Pears Arts Andrew Comben.

Competition Schedule 2025

5 May: Applications open 

23 June: Applications close

Online interviews between 30 June and 7 July with a select number of candidates. Following these interviews, the finalists will be announced.

25 - 26 September: Technical rehearsals

26 September: Official Opening Competition

27 - 28 September: Final performances

Over €32,500 in prizes and professional engagements in collaboration with our presenting partners. Travel reimbursement for finalists. Accommodation at host families. Jury feedback and livestreaming of the Finals. Opera Forward Festival of Dutch National Opera, Amsterdam - Edinburgh International Festival -Aldeburgh Festival - Musica Viva Australia - O. Festival Rotterdam - International Lied Festival Zeist -IVC – Song in the City Series – ’s-Hertogenbosch - Song in the City Series – United Kingdom and others.

Full details: www.ivc.nu