The 59th edition of the International Vocal Competition kicks off

After a festive opening ceremony in the City Hall of 's-Hertogenbosch, the 59th edition of the International Vocal Competition ’s-Hertogenbosch kicks off! With nearly 600 entries, IVC is one of the largest classical singing competitions in Europe. Following preliminary rounds held all over the world, the forty greatest talents have been selected to participate in the Main Rounds in ’s-Hertogenbosch. On Saturday, October 10, the prize winners will be announced from among the ten finalists during the Grand Finale concert with PhilZuid.

“The level is exceptionally high this time,” says Andrew Watts, General and Artistic Director. “In the past, seventy singers were invited. By reducing that number to forty talents, IVC is now presenting the absolute top of young opera talent.”

Moreover, starting with this edition, Opera and Oratorio carry equal weight within the candidates’ chosen repertoire. They will therefore have the opportunity to present themselves twice to the renowned jury before the finalists are announced on Monday evening, October 5. For over seventy years, the IVC has been the premier vocalists' competition where scouts from European opera houses discover talent for upcoming productions. Prominent names such as Pretty Yende, Nelly Miriciou, and Thomas Hampson took the first steps of their international opera careers in ’s-Hertogenbosch.