Tuesday, February 11, 2020

54th International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Opera | Oratorio
28 November – 6 December 2020
’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

The 54th edition of the International Vocal Competition ’s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands will be held 28 November – 6 December 2020 with young and talented singers, performing Opera and Oratorio. ’s-Hertogenbosch is known for its medieval architecture, peaceful canals and plentiful museums. Every year it also becomes a home for some of the most promising vocalists on the planet, who compete for the coveted Grand Prix ’s-Hertogenbosch.
The jury includes prominent singers, such as Vesselina Kasarova, Deborah Polaski, Yue Liu, as well as artistic leaders Hein Mulders (Intendant Essen), Damià Carbonell Nicolau and Rosemary Joshua (Dutch National Opera). Being successful on the opera stage doesn’t depend on singing alone.That's why, for the first time and as one of the few singing competitions worldwide, the IVC is including a stage director in the jury, Vincent Boussard. Jury President is international casting consultant Pål Christian Moe (Bavarian State Opera, Glyndebourne Festival). Hartmut Haenchen conducts the South Netherlands Philharmonic in the Grand Final. During the Competition there will also be a Workshop by the Dutch composer of the compulsory work Bart Visman, as well as other Masterclasses by members of the jury.

This year’s total prize money amounts to € 42,000 and various engagement prizes are also offered. Special prizes for performance of repertoire by Richard Wagner and for young talent under the age of 25. Candidates are being qualified during several Preliminary Selections worldwide.

The IVC opens doors to the international opera and concert stages by offering singers the chance to perform for an international jury, casting directors, impresarios, media and the opera-loving public.
And may the best win!

Preliminary Selections:

11 February 2020, Academy of Music Łódź, Poland
16 & 17 May 2020, Theater aan de Parade ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
5 June 2020, Centre ArcA Bertrange, Luxembourg
July 2020 tbd, Central Conservatory of Music Beijing, China
29 & 30 August 2020, Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Auditions via YouTube, deadline 12 August 2020