The board of the International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch is delighted to announce that, as of 1 September, the British countertenor Andrew Watts will be appointed General and Artistic Director of the IVC.
He succeeds the current director Ivan van Kalmthout, who successfully led the competition since 2018. Andrew Watts has an international reputation as a singer, artistic leader and vocal coach. “His vision for the future of the IVC is refreshing and decisive”, says Winnie Sorgdrager, chair of the IVC.
It is the first time that a non-Dutch person will be at the helm in the nearly 70 years that the IVC has been active. “I am deeply honoured to be able to contribute to the rich history of the IVC and thereby to the cultural landscape of ’s-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant and the Netherlands”, says Andrew Watts in a first reaction. During the upcoming IVC LiedDuo edition from 10 to 15 October in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Andrew Watts will welcome participants, audiences and other IVC stakeholders in Den Bosch for the first time.
Founded in 1954, the International Vocal Competition (IVC) has been, for almost 70 years, the only international singing competition in the Netherlands guaranteeing world-class classical vocal music. Over the years, the IVC has proven to be a springboard for major names such as: Elly Ameling, Measha Brueggergosman, Sarah Connolly, Viorica Cortez, Illeana Cotrubas, Ilse Eerens, Thomas Hampson, Robert Holl, Sophie Koch, Nadine Koutcher, Petra Lang, Claron McFadden, Yvonne Minton, Nelly Miricioiu, Jard van Nes, Jevgeni Nesterenko, Adrianne Pieczonka, Lenneke Ruiten and Pretty Yende. This year too, singers and pianists of all nationalities will come to ’s-Hertogenbosch to take part in the 56th competition, this year themed around Lied. During this week, the public can enjoy, alongside the competition, various masterclasses and recitals.