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.
Come and get inspired! Theatre in song brings classical repertoire to life in a surprisingly theatrical setting where creativity, passion and cultural relevance come together. Theatre in Song is set to be the cultural highlight of the year; a unique experience that moves you to your core and is an event that you simply don’t want to miss.
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.
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 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
We advise audience to reserve tickets for both Saturday, 27 September and Sunday 28 September in order to see all the Finalist performances.
An innovative and unique competition to showcase a more dynamic way to present the classical vocal art form of song.
Theatre in Song requires artists to be curious, to research, to curate and to present a fully worked through and thematically planned out presentation.
From German Lied to French mélodie to new compositions and works that consciously reflect the theme chosen by the participants.
All duo’s interpret the 2025 IVC commissioned work “When I was” by Dutch-Israeli composer Karmit Fadael.
Seeks to inspire artists to engage more fully with audiences in a celebration of voice and music.
The IVC attracts applicants and internationally renowned jury members from all over the world.
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
Her musical partner this evening is none other than pianist Hans Eijsackers, a trusted and beloved member of the IVC family for more than twenty years. He has accompanied some of the world’s most sought-after classical singers on international stages. This evening’s duo is sure to be a highlight within Theatre in Song 2025.
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 – 21:15
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.
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 and awards ceremony
