Applications are now open for the 53rd International Vocal Competition (IVC).

This year the LiedDuo Competition will be held in the city of ‘s-Hertogenborsch in the North Brabant province of the Netherlands from Nov. 20 – 24, 2019. The program will include masterclasses and feedback from a jury consisting of highly regarded singers Dame Felicity Lott, Jard van Nes, and Thomas Oliemans and pianists Graham Johnson and David Selig.

Finalists will receive a travel refund and accommodation at host families. Prizes range up to €15,000.

The First Rounds will take place on May 17 during the International Lied Festival in Zeist, and on June 30 in the Theater aan de Parade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. All rounds will be open to the public.

The IVC, according to the press release, functions as “a meeting place for all who work in and around opera, oratorio, and Lied.” The organization aims to present opportunities to young singers, essentially providing “the bottom rung of the ladder that can lead them to concert halls, opera houses and song recitals at both national and international level[s].” Though the program is challenging, the warm and encouraging atmosphere, along with the offering of personal attention, give the competition a “very human face.”

Previous participants include renowned singers Elly Ameling, Robert Holl, Thomas Hampson, Nelly Miricioiu, Ileana Cotrubas, Viorica Cortez, Marco Bakker, Jard van Nes, Pretty Yende, Lenneke Ruiten, Hansung Yoo, Nadine Koutcher, Catriona Morison, Maria Fiselier, Rosanne van Sandwijk, and Peter Gijsbertsen.