Announcements
Forty Talents Selected for Renewed IVC 2026
40 of the world's most promising opera talents will be in 's-Hertogenbosch from October 2 to 10 for the 59th edition of the IVC
25 September 2026 Read article
What's happening at the IVC
Competition updates, laureate careers, behind-the-scenes stories and press releases.
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Announcements
Anne-Maartje Lemereis writes 'Feathers' for the 59th IVC
20 January 2026
Anne-Maartje Lemereis, Composer Laureate of the Netherlands, is writing 'Feathers', the new commissioned work for the 59th IVC. All forty selected singers premiere it in the Main Rounds, continuing an IVC tradition of a compulsory work for every edition since 2002.
Announcements
59th IVC Opera | Oratorio 2026: application announcement (archive)
01 December 2025
Archive notice: applications are closed. The International Vocal Competition returns with its 59th Opera | Oratorio edition (2-10 October 2026). Applications for the Preliminary Selections are open, tickets are on sale, and a €50,000 prize fund awaits the next generation of vocal talent.
Announcements
IVC Singer Sessions: a masterclass week for young professionals
01 April 2025
The IVC announces the Singer Sessions, a masterclass week for young professional singers ready to take the next step in their careers. Participants work intensively with renowned teachers and artists through private coachings, public masterclasses and a closing concert.
Announcements
Cláudia Ribas wins the 57th IVC Opera & Oratorio 2024
05 October 2024
Portuguese mezzo-soprano Cláudia Ribas is the convincing winner of the 57th International Vocal Competition, taking the Grand Prix of 's-Hertogenbosch alongside the Audience, Wagner and Junior Jury prizes.
Events
Events
Song in the City returns to Den Bosch this summer
16 June 2026
Free open-air recitals bring IVC laureates to squares across 's-Hertogenbosch throughout the summer season.
Events
IVC launches Song in the City, an intimate concert series
14 April 2025
With Song in the City, the IVC takes classical music out of the theatre and into the heart of 's-Hertogenbosch. Six evening concerts in unique historical locations - from an art gallery to a parking garage - bring world-class singing as close to the public as it gets.
From the archive
In the press
All press →How the International Vocal Competition and its laureates are covered in the media - interviews, features and profiles from the wider opera world.
In the press
OPERA MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW
Andrew Watts: 'The IVC is a safe oasis'
10 October 2024
Opera Magazine speaks with artistic and general director Andrew Watts about his first year leading the anniversary competition - new visibility in the city, school workshops, the festival week, and a duty of care for young singers.
BRABANT CULTUREEL · INTERVIEW
Eva-Maria Westbroek: helping the next generation on their way
23 September 2024
World-renowned soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek joins the jury of the 57th IVC: 'Winning a competition can be the start of a successful career. Helping a next generation on their way is something I want to commit to.'