New general director International Vocal Competition

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Monday, August 7, 2023

Andrew Watts new General Director International Vocal Competition
(IVC) 's-Hertogenbosch.

The board of the International Vocal Competition 's-Hertogenbosch is pleased to announce that, as of 1 September next, British countertenor Andrew Watts will be appointed General and Artistic Director of the IVC.

In doing so, he succeeds current director Ivan van Kalmthout, who has successfully led the competition since 2018. Andrew Watts has an international reputation as a singer, artistic director and vocal coach. "His vision for the future of the IVC is refreshing and incisive," said Winnie Sorgdrager, president of the IVC board.

It is the first time a non-Dutchman has taken the helm in the IVC's nearly 70 years of operation. "I am very honoured to contribute to the rich history of the IVC and thus to the cultural landscape of 's-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant and the Netherlands," said Andrew Watts in an initial response. During the upcoming IVC LiedDuo edition from 10 to 15 October in 's-Hertogenbosch - with baritone Bo Skovhus as chairman of the International Jury - Andrew Watts will welcome participants, audience and other IVC stakeholders to Den Bosch for the first time.

The International Vocal Competition (IVC) was founded in 1954. For almost 70 years, the IVC has been the only international singing competition in the Netherlands guaranteeing world-quality classical vocal music. The IVC has, through the years, proved to be a springboard for illustrious names like: Elly Ameling, Measha Brueggergosman, Sarah Connolly, Viorica Cortez, Illeana Cotrubas, Ilse Eerens, Thomas Hampson, Robert Holl, Sophie Koch, Nadine Koutcher, Petra Lang, Claron McFadden, Yvonne Minton, Nelly Miricioiu, Jard van Nes, Jevgeni Nesterenko, Adrianne Pieczonka, Lenneke Ruiten and Pretty Yende. This year too, singers and pianists of all nationalities will come to 's-Hertogenbosch to take part in the 56^th competition, this year with focus on Lied. During this week, audiences can enjoy various master classes and recitals in addition to the competition.