52nd International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch – Preliminary Rounds in Luxembourg

52nd International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch 
Category: OPERA | ORATORIO

6 – 15 September 2018
’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Preliminary Rounds in Luxembourg
Ecole de Musique et Salle de Concert du Centre ARCA
17 rue Atert. L-8051 Bertrange (Luxembourg)
2 & 3 November 2017

The 52nd International Vocal Competition ’s-Hertogenbosch (IVC) is open to professional singers of all nationalities, who have completed their professional education or are currently in their final year and aim for a professional career or have an equivalent level of training.

Age limit
Female singers: born in 1988 or later
Male singers: born in 1986 or later
Participants are not younger than 18 years

Candidates wishing to enter the Competition must first take part in the Preliminary Rounds.

Preliminary Rounds Luxembourg
Thursday, 2nd November 2017 | 14h00 – 21h00
Friday, 3rd November 2017 | 14h00 – 21h00 (optional date)

Applications open 15 April 2017
Deadline for application 
1 October 2017

Applications will be dealt with in the order that they are received. There is a maximum number of audition places available; later candidates may be placed on a waiting list if this number is exceeded.

The application form should be sent to the IVC via the website: www.ivc.nu.

The application form must also include:

* A clear and legible copy of a valid proof of identity such as a passport or a driving licence.

* A portrait photo, free of copyright and at least 10 x 15cm.

* A biography of no more than 150 words, preferably in English, describing the candidate’s training, diplomas, prizes, recitals, concerts and / or operatic experience.

An audition spot will only be allotted when all necessary information and documents have been delivered and approved.


Application fee Preliminary Rounds

Opera | Oratorio category: € 35

Deadline payment application fee
Application fee should be sent by bank transfer before 1 October 2017.

Payment application fee Preliminary Rounds
Application fees should be sent by bank transfer to: Stichting ’s-Hertogenbosch Muziekstad with the mention ‘Prelims Luxembourg + candidate’s name’.
Account number:
IBAN: NL18FVLB0225200228
BIC/SWIFT: FVLBNL22
Bank: ‘Van Lanschot Bankiers’.
Address bank: Hooge Steenweg 29, 5211 JN ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.


Repertoire Preliminary Rounds – Opera | Oratorio

The participant’s chosen repertoire must include music from different periods and styles.

  • Style period I: until 1810
  • Style period II: 1810 – 1919
  • Style period III: 1920 to the present day

The repertoire list for the Preliminary Round must comprise of two arias from two different stylistic periods (as described above) in two different languages.

All pieces must be performed from memory and in the original language and key.
Sheet music is, however, permitted for the performance of oratorio.
Oratorio repertoire includes solo arias from masses, prayers, motets, sacred and secular oratorio, sacred and secular cantatas.

NB: All operas by Giacomo Puccini count towards the second period. The operas Salome, Elektra, Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos, Die Frau ohne Schatten, Capriccio, Arabella, Daphne, Intermezzo and 4 Letzte Lieder by Richard Strauss count towards the third period.