NEW · FIRST IN EUROPE

Theatre in Song: classical song reimagined as theatre

The first of its kind in Europe, Theatre in Song is a unique competition that showcases 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.

Soprano Laure-Catherine Beyers and pianist Ana Ostojić performing It's Complicated at Theatre in Song

About Theatre in Song

In theatrical performances of 40 to 45 minutes, 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.

With courage and vision, the IVC forges a new path in art song. Replacing the former IVC LiedDuo competition, Theatre in Song brings vocal music to a new generation of artists and listeners, developing emerging talent on their way to an international career.

PRIZE POOL €32,500

PROGRAMME 40-45 min

ENTRY FEE €100

FINALS Den Bosch

CRITERIA

Programme requirements

The competition is open to professional singers and instrumentalists of all nationalities aged 18 to 34 who have completed their professional training or are in their final year. The programme features the classical voice, with or without accompaniment.

A curated 40-45 minute programme demonstrating one comprehensive theme, with at least 30 minutes of live singing.
Repertoire may be drawn from any art song; German Lieder and French mélodies may feature alongside new works, but opera, oratorio and concert repertoire are not allowed.
The programme should include at least three languages and present a broad spectrum of time periods.
All songs must be sung from memory; transcriptions and arrangements are permitted.
Each programme must demonstrate an awareness of diversity, in either music or text.
A compulsory work is sung by all voices. For 2025 this was 'when I was', a 2.5 minute unaccompanied piece without text by Dutch-Israeli composer Karmit Fadael, used to reflect the overall theme. Sheet music: ivc.nu/theatre-in-song/compulsory-work.
Participants compile their own programme order and may present an existing programme; it need not be a premiere.

Full criteria, technical specifications and application requirements are published on ivc.nu ahead of each edition.

Baritone and pianist performing a Theatre in Song programme at Theater aan de Parade

The jury

Performances are assessed by an international panel of singers, pianists, stage directors and festival leaders, chaired by a Jury President. A preliminary jury reviews all video submissions to select the finalists invited to perform live in 's-Hertogenbosch, while the main jury sees every finalist presentation before deliberating.

Iain Burnside

Pianist & BBC Radio 3 Programme Maker · Jury President

Corné Ran

Concert programmer, advisor

Andrew Comben

CEO Britten Pears Arts

Paul Kildea

Conductor, musicologist and artistic director of Musica Viva Australia

Robert Holl

Bass

Yvonne Kenny

Soprano

Lisenka Heijboer Castañón

Stage director and theatre maker

Named jury for the 2025 edition, the first Theatre in Song, as published by ivc.nu. The panel for future editions will be announced separately.

Prizes

Theatre in Song offers a prize purse of over €32,500, combining monetary prizes with Special Engagement Prizes that give winning participants the chance to present their work at international festivals.

Van Riemsdijk Prize (First Prize) €10,000

Staetshuys Fund Prize (Second Prize) €7,500

Bierens Foundation of Arts Prize (Third Prize) €5,000

SPECIAL PRIZES

Van Amelsvoort Prize: €2,500 - best performance of the compulsory work.
Friends of the IVC Prize: €2,000.
Press Jury Prize: €2,000.
Junior Jury Prize: €2,000.
ANED Fund Prize: €1,500. Best programme and theatrical concept.
Vrienden van het Lied Prize: 3 concerts offered to one presentation/duo.

Special Engagement Prizes offer concerts at partner festivals, chosen from all live-competition participants and awarded to any presentation, not only the winner.

PARTNERS

Opera Forward Festival - Dutch National Opera, Amsterdam
Edinburgh International Festival
Aldeburgh Festival
Musica Viva Australia
O. Festival, Rotterdam
International Lied Festival Zeist
IVC Song in the City Series - 's-Hertogenbosch
Song in the City Series - United Kingdom

Finalists also receive a travel reimbursement of up to €500 per presentation and accommodation with a host family.

Prize winners

From more than 140 candidates from over 40 countries, eleven presentations were invited to the first edition of Theatre in Song. After an exciting weekend of finals, the jury chose the winners of the 58th IVC.