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59th IVC
Opera | Oratorio

Song in the City

In 2025, the International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch presented a new series, Song in the City!

Six intimate evening concerts in unique historical locations in Den Bosch’s city center bring classical music as close to the public as it can get. 

In 2027, the second edition of Song in the City will be launched. Come back soon for all details regarding upcoming concerts!

Masterclasses

The International Vocal Competition announces the IVC masterclasses, a yearly week of learning for conservatory and recently graduated vocal artists.

Participants take part in private coachings, group sessions, public masterclasses, and more! 

The 2027 masterclass will be announced in the Fall of 2026 – stay tuned for details!


Music Pathways

The International Vocal Competition announces the launch of Music Pathways, song workshops that bring opera to primary school classes in the form of singing workshops.

With this initiative, the IVC introduces children to opera and allows them to sing and explore like opera stars on stage!

Read about this important initiative that is bringing opera to the new generation of artists! 

ABOUT IVC 's-hertogenbosch

The International Vocal Competition (IVC) ‘s-Hertogenbosch is a classical singing competition that has been supporting young classical singing talent on their way to a professional career in classical music since 1954. What once began as a small singing competition aimed at singers from the Benelux countries has now, 70 years later, grown into an internationally renowned singing competition with local, national and international appeal. Singers from all over the world come to ‘s-Hertogenbosch and perform before a prominent international jury, press jury, a youth jury and an enthusiastic audience. During the Competition, music from the Baroque era to the 21st century will be performed.  

The IVC is not only a challenging competition for competition participants, but also a platform for artistic and personal growth, with awards that offer long-term value and prepare participants for successful careers in the classical music world. The IVC provides an inspiring and supportive environment for emerging artists to demonstrate their skills and talent and realise their artistic potential. The IVC is a spirited competition with a human face. Aware of the pressures young singers experience, the IVC strives to give every participant – even those who do not win – a valuable experience that serves as encouragement for the future.  

OUR agenda

From Cradle to Competition and Beyond
10/10/2026
v.a. 11:00
Theater aan de parade
How can we create an accessible and connected pathway in which young singers can discover their voice, develop their talent and find the next step that is right for them? On 10 October 2026, the International Vocal Competition, the Prinses Christina Concours and the Margreet Honig Foundation invite singing teachers, singers, conservatoires, competitions and organisations involved in vocal and talent development to come together at Theater aan de Parade in ’s-Hertogenbosch.
Masterclass Sir David Pountney
07/10/2026
20.15-22.30
Pleinzaal
Wees welkom bij een leerzame masterclass van opera directeur Sir David Pountney met zangers van wereldklasse! Zangers van de IVC 's-Hertogenbosch die hebben meegedaan aan de Main Rounds maar niet door zijn naar de Finale zullen deelnemen aan de masterclasses tijdens de competitieweek.
SongFest Masterclass
06/10/2026
20.15-22.30
Pleinzaal
De tweede editie van de SongFest Masterclass met countertenor en Algemeen en Artistiek Leider Andrew Watts neemt plaats op 6 oktober tijdens de 59e IVC Opera | Oratorio! Meld je nu aan voor deze unieke kans om van een internationale countertenor te leren.
Grand Finale
10/10/2026
19.00-23.00
Theater aan de Parade
On October 10, 2026, the Grand Finale of the IVC 's-Hertogenbosch takes place! During this event, the world-class Finalists of the IVC will perform with PhilZuid, conducted by Karen Kemensek. Following the performances, the next "winner of 's-Hertogenbosch" will be crowned!
Main Rounds Dag 4
05/10/2026
10:30-22:30
Theater aan de Parade
Dag 4 ziet niet alleen de laatste programma's van de zangers maar ook de bekendmaking van de Finalisten! Van 10:30 - 18:00 strijden de zangers om een plaats in de Grand Finale in de Pleinzaal van het Theater aan de Parade.
Masterclass Susan Bullock
08/10/2026
20.15-22.30
Pleinzaal
Internationally renowned soprano, Susan Bullock, works with singers of the IVC 's-Hertogenbosch during the competition week. Don't miss this exciting and educational masterclass!
Masterclass Paul McNamara
09/10/2026
15.00-17.30
Pleinzaal
Internationally renowned tenor and Artistic Leader of the Dutch National Opera Academy, Paul McNamara, works with singers of the IVC 's-Hertogenbosch during the competition week. Don't miss this exciting and educational masterclass!
Masterclass Peter Rose
09/10/2026
20.15-22.30
Pleinzaal
Internationally renowned bass, Peter Rose, works with singers of the IVC 's-Hertogenbosch during the competition week. Don't miss this exciting and educational masterclass!

Friends of the ivc

Give young singers the support they need — and receive something beautiful in return each year. Most importantly, help the IVC continue building a vibrant artistic future for well-deserving talent.

Become a Friend on your own, or together with your partner or a friend.
Level of support include: Friendship from €75 per person and €100 for two people.
Club Crescendo membership starts at €250 per person and €400 for two.

Would you like to become a Friend of the IVC or receive more information about the different options?
Click the button below to learn all about becoming a Friend of the IVC!

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