Repertoire Requirements
All repertoire must be performed in its original language and original key.
During the main competition, all arias — both opera and oratorio — must be performed
from memory. The commissioned work by Anne-Maartje Lemereis must also be
performed from memory.
Main Rounds
Repertoire list
Each participant must select 10 works in total:
- 5 opera arias
- 5 oratorio arias
- Plus the compulsory work ‘Feathers’ by Anne-Maartje Lemereis
Style Period I: up to 1810 – at least 2 works
The repertoire list must include music from three distinct stylistic periods:
Style Period II: 1810–1919 – at least 2 works
Style Period III: 1920 to the present day – at least 1 work
Additional Repertoire Conditions
Within their total list of ten works, candidates may include: - a maximum of two operetta or zarzuela arias, or – (counts as opera repertoire)
- one concert aria, or – (counts as oratorio repertoire)
- two orchestral songs. – (count as oratorio repertoire)
Main Rounds
Each candidate performs two different programmes with piano accompaniment in the Main Rounds.
Each Main Round programme must include: - Two to four arias, depending on total duration.
- Works from at least two different style periods.
- A total of at least three different languages across both programmes, with
a minimum of two different languages in each programme. - At least two opera arias and two oratorio arias in total across both programmes.
- A total duration of 15 to 18 minutes per programme.
Candidates may decide in which of their two programmes they will perform the compulsory
work by Anne-Maartje Lemereis.
This piece does not count towards the style or language requirements.
In addition to the compulsory work, that programme must contain at least two other arias.
Finals
Each candidate may propose two works from their complete repertoire list, in two different languages and from two different style periods, which they would like to perform in the Finals. Wagner arias are excluded.
The jury members are invited to indicate which of the ten arias from a candidate’s list they would like to hear in the Finals with symphony orchestra. The General and Artistic Director of the IVC, and the conductor of the Finals will take these preferences into consideration when determining the final programme.
It is possible that candidates may be asked to repeat one or more works already performed in earlier rounds.
Six to eight singers will be selected for the Finals with the Philzuid Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Karen Kamensek.
In addition, two singers will be selected after the Main Rounds to perform the commissioned work ‘Feathers’ by Anne-Maartje Lemereis with symphony orchestra during the Finals.
A maximum of two singers will be nominated for the Wagner Prize in the Finals.
