International Vocal Competition ´s Hertogenbosch

The International Vocal Competition 's-Hertogenbosch (Dutch: Internationaal Vocalisten Concours 's-Hertogenbosch, IVC) has been in existence since 1954. This biennial event is organised by the Stichting Muziekstad 's-Hertogenbosch. The IVC is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions; it is one of the most renowned music competitions in the world and is also the only classical vocal competition in the Netherlands with two categories: Opera | Oratorio and Lied Duo. The IVC attaches great importance to the discovery, development and delivery of talent in the field of classical vocal music, in which not only opera but also oratorio and Lied play important parts. The IVC offers singers the chance to perform for casting directors, concert managements, impresarios, the media and a concert and theatregoing audience.

Alongside its competition the IVC also presents master classes, workshops, summer schools and concerts. Concerts are organised in collaboration with various organisations. The IVC also provides advice on repertoire, career possibilities, media management and auditioning.

The IVC has been instrumental in launching the careers of many internationally renowned singers, including Elly Ameling, Robert Holl, Thomas Hampson, Petra Lang, Jard van Nes and Lenneke Ruiten, as well as Ileana Cotrubas, Viorica Cortez, Nelly Miricioiu, Jules Bastin, Wolfgang Schöne, Ruth Ziesak, Howard Haskin, Elzbieta Szmytka, Yvonne Minton, Measha Brueggergosman, Yevgeny Nesterenko and Vladimir Pankratov, Nadine Koutcher, Peter Gijsbertsen, Thomas Thomaschke and Pretty Yende. Annett Andriesen, herself an opera singer and a prizewinner of the IVC in 1975, has headed the IVC since 2008.

The IVC is open to singers of all nationalities who have had conservatory training or have reached an equivalent level. The competition has two categories: Opera/oratorio and Lied Duo. There is an age limit: 1985 or later for female voices, 1982 or later for male voices and 1979 or later for the pianists in the Lied Duo category. In the Lied Duo category singers must enrol with their regulare recital partner. Competitors may compete in both categories.