The first of its kind in Europe, Theatre in Song is a unique competition to showcase a more dynamic way to present the classical vocal art form of song. The IVC seeks to inspire artists to engage more fully with audiences in a celebration of voice and music.
In theatrical performances of 40 to 45 minutes, the finalists take the audience on a thematic journey, with the expressive power of song at its core – accompanied by a self-chosen instrument. Each performance is built around an original artistic concept, with the accompanist also invited to take an active role in the presentation – for example, by speaking or singing.
The IVC inspires and develops new talent on their way to an international career. With courage and vision, the IVC forges a new path in art song, and with Theatre in Song, brings vocal music to a new generation of artists and listeners.
The Finals of Theatre in Song will be presented over two days, 27 & 28 september, in the Pleinzaal of the Theater aan de Parade ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Applications open: 5 May – 23 June 2025
Theatre in Song opening: 26 September 2025
Final Round 1: 27 September 2025
Final Round 2: 28 September 2025
The Final round of Theatre in Song takes place over two days in the Pleinzaal of the Theater aan de Parade in Den Bosch. For this reason, it is essential that tickets be reserved for both 27 & 28 September should you want to see all the Finalist performances.
SongFest | Friday, 26 September 2025 | 20:15 – 21:45
Final Round 1 | Saturday, 27 September 2025 | 10.30 – 17:00
Claron Sings…! | Saturday 27 September 2025 | 20:15 – 22:00
Final Round 2 | Sunday 28 September 2025 | 10:30 – 17:00
Theatre in Song kicks off with SongFest on Friday, 26 September. During this unique event, experienced song Enthusiasts, from soloists and duos to choirs, get the chance to shine on the stage of the Pleinzaal in the Theater aan de Parade.
Internationally renowned soprano Claron McFadden presents Claron Sings…! with pianist Hans Eijsackers, a program that she exclusively curated for the IVC. They will perform this recital on Saturday, 27 September at 20:15 after the first day of Finals.
The days of the Finals will take place over two days from 10:30-17:00. On Saturday, 27 September and Sunday, 28 September 2025 the Finalists will perform in the Pleinzaal of the Theater aan de Parade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Saturday 27 september | 20.15
The internationally acclaimed soprano and former IVC-prize winner Claron McFadden returns to Den Bosch for an exclusive recital together with pianist Hans Eijsackers. In this programme, created especially for the IVC, McFadden delivers an unforgettable evening with her clear voice, musical sensuality, and down-to-earth presence. Already a well-known name within the IVC, Eijsackers supports her on the piano with the souplesse and strong musical instincts that makes him one of the Netherlands most sought-after pianists. A musical highpoint within Theatre in Song 2025.
“A soubrette with an exceptional talent at the intersection of classical and jazz, as she demonstrated in her performance of ‘Summertime’ from Porgy and Bess – a nod to her American childhood as a singer and trombonist in the Methodist church.”
— Katja Reichenfeld, NRC, 5 september 1988
Friday 26 September | 20.15
Theatre in Song kicks off with SongFest on Friday, 26 September. During this unique event, experienced song Enthusiasts, from soloists and duos to choirs, get the chance to shine on the stage of the Pleinzaal in the Theater aan de Parade. Andrew Watts, General & Artistic Director of the IVC proudly presents the very first SongFest – an exciting evening of singing, music and the power of the human voice. During this unique event, singing Enthusiasts themselves get the chance to shine on the stage of the Pleinzaal of the Theater aan de Parade in Den Bosch.
Accompanied by pianist Ben Martin Weijand, they share their passion with the public; not as professionals but as those for whom singing is an integral part of their life.
Repertoire can be drawn for any 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. Operatic, oratorio and concert repertoire are not allowed.
40 – 45-minute curated programme demonstrating one comprehensive theme with at least 30 minutes of live singing.
The programme should include at least 3 languages.
Transcriptions and arrangements of songs are allowed.
All songs must be sung from memory.
There are no set time periods from which repertoire can be chosen but applicants should present a broad spectrum of time periods.
Each programme must demonstrate an awareness of diversity throughout either in terms of music or text.
Participants compile their programme order themselves. The songs must be performed in the program sequence specified by the participants.
The compulsory song will be sung by all voices and for 2025 is composed by the Dutch Israeli composer Karmit Fadael. The song is for unaccompanied voice without text and should be used to reflect the theme as whole.
It is allowed to perform a (partly) existing programme curated by the participants, it does not need to be a unique first performance (premiere).
The Theatre in Song competition is open to professional singers and instrumentalists of all nationalities, who have completed their professional education or are currently in their final year and aim for a professional career or have an equivalent level of training.
Age limit participants (singers and instrumentalists): Born on 29 September 1990 or later, max. 34 years old. Participants are not younger than 18 years. Applications can only be made via the competition’s website (ivc.nu). The application is only definite after the Participant has paid the application fee and submitted all required information and documentation correctly.
In the application, the singer must submit two videos (via YouTube) featuring the instrumentalist with whom they intend to perform during the final rounds. The singer and instrumentalist are both considered participants in the competition. (Therefore, singers may not submit a video in the preliminary selections featuring a different instrumentalist from the one they will perform with during the final rounds in September.)
Application fee: € 100 per registration (duo, or solo voice). No further entry fee payment is required after selection for the competition proper. Payment and inscription deadline for the Competition proper: 23 June 2025. The entry fee will not be refunded to Participants who withdraw from the Competition after acceptance.
Theatre in Song offers a variety of prizes, including monetary prizes and Special Engagement Prizes, which offer the chance to winning participants to present their performances at international festivals. The Theatre in Song prize purse totals over €32,500.
Special Engagement Prizes chosen from all participants in the live competition. The opportunity to perform in several concerts, recitals and music theatre festivals, thus offering great exposure. This prize can be awarded to any presentation, not exclusively the winner.
Theatre in Song – World Premiere in ’s-Hertogenbosch!
From 26 to 28 September 2025, the Pleinzaal of Theater aan de Parade will transform into the vibrant stage for a world premiere: Theatre in Song. The International Vocal Competition presents Europe’s first competition to give the classical song a theatrical, surprising form. Finalists will take the audience on intimate 45-minute performances, full of personal themes that move and inspire reflection.
From love and confusion to human rights and nostalgia, the finalists of Theatre in Song bring powerful stories and touching music to the stage of the Pleinzaal. The repertoire is wide-ranging: Schubert and Mahler sit alongside Bernstein and Saariaho.
Learn more about all the finalist duos taking part in the 58th IVC Theatre in Song via the button below!
10:30 CEST
14:15 CEST
10:30 CEST
14:15 CEST
Followed by Jury Deliberations & Award Ceremony
