Sightseeing in Den Bosch during the IVC

25 August 2016 During the Competition you can go in and out whenever you like. Combine your visit with exploring the city!

In the second weekend of September the Lied Duo Competion starts in 's-Hertogenbosch with the First Round on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. Did you know that you can walk in and out whenever you like? Please note that you only enter of leave the room during the applause, so that the participating Lied Duo's as well as the jury and audience aren't distracted. We'd like to give you some tips for a well-spent day in the city during the Lied Duo Competition!

Tips for Sunday 11 September
20 Lied Duo's (singer and pianist), both national and international, will be present at the 51st International Vocal Competition. On this second day there is a very exciting session in the morning and afternoon. We can't wait to see the duo's!

9 am Arrival in 's-Hertogenbosch
Will you be travelling by train to the city? Don't forget to stop for a good cup of coffee or tea at confectioners shop of Jan de Groot. They are famous for the well-known speciality from 's-Hertogenbosch: the one and only 'Bossche bol'! Your visit to 's-Hertogenbosch won't be complete without eating this.

11 am Start First Round at the Muzerije
After enjoing your brew and the Bossche bol, stroll within ten minutes to the Muzerije. At this venue the first session starts at 11 am. Participants from countries such as South-Korea, France, the Netherlands and Switserland will present themselves to the jury and to you, the audience. Be there from the very first moment! Figure out who your favorite duo is and follow them or the other participants to the Finals on Friday 16 September.

12.30 pm Lunch at the Parade
You might be a bit hungry after the first one and a half hour. Use this break to think over the beautiful piano sounds and the bright voices you have already heard. Walk in only five minutes to the Parade. On this street you will find several restaurants. Not that far away, on the Torenstraat, we recommend the English restaurant Pilkington's.

2 pm Second session at the Muzerije
Head back to the Muzerije after your break. We welcome you for the second session which starts at 2 pm. Which duo do you like the most? Is it the way thay play the piano or sing, their presentation or maybe their repertoire that appeals to you? Look over the shoulder of the jury and find out. Did you know that this Lied Duo Competition jury consists out of three IVC prize winners?

photo by Marc Mulders

3 pm Visit the Sint-Jan
Across the Parade, where you went for lunch, you have probably noticed the impressive Sint-Janskathedraal. It is certainly impressive with its 700.000 roofing slates and the 59 bells in the tower from which the biggest clock weighs 5.500 kilo. It is absolutely worth a visit! Return after this short break to the First Round of the 51st IVC. 

3.30 pm Ending the second session 
On Sunday 11 September we will tell you how long the second session at the Muzerij will take. After a short visit in the Sint-Jan, you will probably be in time to see the last Lied Duo's of that day. What you don't see is what happens behind the scenes. Singers and pianists who warm up and wish each other the best of luck... and then going on stage! The participants play on the highest level in their most beautiful outfit. Will you make notes during the sessions? We'd like to hear who is your favorite. Please let us know via Facebook or Twitter.

5 pm A short walk to the 'Moriaan'
Walk after the last presentation to the 'Markt'. On this square you will find the oldest brick house from the Netherlands. The 'Moriaan' was built in the 13th century and is home to the tourist office nowadays. Unfortunately, after 5 pm you can't go in anymore, but the outside is worth a look as well. Do also check out the houses on number 29 and 61. On 29 you will find 'Sint Thoenis'. From 1462 to 1523 this was the workshop of the parents from the world-renowned painter Jheronimus Bosch. This is where he actually has learned to paint. On number 61 you will find 'In den Salvatoer'. This is the painter's old house where he lived after his marriage. 

Keep following the Lied Duo's during the week
You might want to have dinner on the Markt or go home after this well-spent day in 's-Hertogenbosch. We hope to welcome you back later during the Lied Duo Competition. Please note that soprano and composer Monique Krüs gives a very interesting masterclass. She wrote the compulsory work. And don't forget about our exciting Semi-Finals! Tickets to the Lied Duo Competitions vary from € 2,50 to € 25. Read more about the programme and the ticket sales.