There are two categories:
1. Opera
2. Lied & Oratorio
Candidates must choose one of these categories for their application.
General repertoire requirements
The singer’s chosen repertoire must include music from three different periods and styles; three works must have been composed after 1915. Singers must perform in a minimum of three languages. Operatic excerpts must be performed in their original language and key; song repertoire must be performed in the original language, although transpositions are allowed.
Style period I: until 1810
Style period II: 1810-1915
Style period III: 1915 to the present day
The candidate’s programme for the Quarter Finals will in general be selected from his or her programme for the Preliminary Round, although a partially or completely new programme can also be chosen. The programme must last no longer than 15 minutes, 5 minutes more than in the Preliminary Round.
Candidates may choose their own programme for the semi-final, although they must choose works that they have not yet performed during the competition.
Programmes for the Piano and the Orchestral Finals will be selected by the Jury from the repertoire list submitted by the candidate. The Jury may choose any work on the list, including works that have been already been performed in previous rounds.
The candidate must choose works from at least two of the above style periods and perform in at least two languages in each round that he or she appears.
The candidate’s application form must include the titles of the works that he or she intends to perform during the Preliminary Rounds, the First Round and the Semi-final.
IVC 2012 Compulsory Vocal Work.
The song also counts in the repertoire list as 1 of the 3 compulsory works composed after 1915. Candidates are also eligible for the Dutch Composition Prize as well as the November Music engagement prize. Candidates will receive the music in PDF form (from June 2012).
Opera
The candidate must prepare 9 operatic arias, 6 songs and the compulsory new vocal work.
A candidate may submit a maximum of 2 concert arias instead of opera arias.
At least 2 opera arias must have been composed after 1915.
Preliminary Round 17, 18 or 19 September 2012 ‘s-Hertogenbosch:
The candidate will choose and present 2 operatic arias from two style periods, of which one aria must have been composed after 1915, each aria in a different language. Furthermore, the candidate will present 1 song. Maximum total performance time: 15 minutes.
Quarter final:
The candidate will choose and perform 2 operatic arias and 1 or 2 songs with a total duration of no more than 15 minutes. The candidate may repeat the works he or she sang in the Preliminary Round but may also present a completely new programme if he or she so desires.
Semi-final:
The candidate will choose and perform 2 operatic arias, 1 song and the compulsory vocal work, the total duration of these being no longer than 15 minutes. Candidates must choose works that they have not yet performed during the competition.
Piano Final:
The candidate will take part in the Piano Finale only in the event of having been nominated for the Margie Weideman Song Prize and/or best performance of the compulsory vocal work.
Orchestra Final:
The candidate will perform 2 or 3 operatic arias chosen by the Jury.
Lied & Oratorio
The candidate must prepare 12 songs, 7 oratorio arias and the compulsory vocal work.
Preliminary Round 17, 18 or 19 September 2012 ‘s-Hertogenbosch:
The candidate will choose and perform 2 art songs and an oratorio aria. Their total duration must not exceed 12 minutes. The works must come from two different style periods and be sung in their original languages: 2 languages are required.
Quarter final:
The candidate will choose and perform 2 or 3 art songs and 1 oratorio aria OR 1 or 2 oratorio arias and 1 or 2 art songs. Their total duration must not exceed 15 minutes. The candidate may repeat the works he or she sang in the Preliminary Round but may also present a completely new programme if he or she so desires.
Semi-final:
The candidate will choose and perform 2 art songs, 1 oratorio aria and the compulsory vocal work OR 2 oratorio arias, 1 art song and the compulsory vocal work. Their total duration must not exceed 15 minutes. Candidates must choose works that they have not yet performed during the competition.
Piano Final:
The candidate will perform 4 art songs and one oratorio or concert aria OR 2 oratorio arias and 2 art songs, all of these to be chosen by the Jury.
Orchestra Final:
The candidate will perform 2 oratorio arias OR 1 oratorio aria and 1 art song, all of these to be chosen by the Jury.
