‘I’ve hosted singers for the IVC just once before — I struck lucky with two great guests, Maria Okunev from Australia who didn’t get through the eliminatory rounds and Pretty Yende from South Africa who won several prizes. They both were down to stay for two weeks and during that time they really became part of the family. I’m still in contact with Pretty and she has been back a few times. It was an amazing time — busy but so nice! I’ll happily offer my house again for 2010.’ Marleen Floris (host family, fan)
Lasting friendship
Candidates taking part in the Competition usually prefer to stay not in a hotel but rather with a host family in ’s-Hertogenbosch or its environs, with the result that lasting friendships are often formed between the singer and his or her hosts. The IVC has pursued this policy now for many years, for it is convinced that the hospitable atmosphere created by the individuals involved makes the candidate’s stay much more comfortable and pleasurable. Our heartfelt thanks go out once again to this year’s host families. For further information please send an email to info@internationalvocalcompetition.com
Countertenor Rob Meijers en Jef Oomen
Two wonderful weeks
‘We’ve already blocked off the two wonderful weeks of the IVC in September 2010 in our diaries — a long and deliciously warm period of enjoyment of upcoming talent in an exciting competition with a finale that really shouldn’t be missed!’
Jef Oomen (chairman of the Friends of the IVC, host family, fan)
Jan Nelissen
Bed & Breakfast
‘I have been visiting the IVC and hosting singers in my home for several years now. Those weeks are just wonderful! It’s fantastic what happens in ’s-Hertogenbosch during that time: all those young people from different countries with their beautiful voices. I’m so looking forward to the IVC 2010 — I’ve got the beds made up already!’ Jan Nelissen (bed & breakfast, host family, fan)
