‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands (October 16, 2023) – On Sunday evening, October 15, the results of the 56th IVC LiedDuo were announced at the end of the finals of the 56th IVC LiedDuo in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Despite the high level of the finalists, the Jury, chaired by baritone Bo Skovhus, was unable to declare an outright winner. The decision was made on the duo coupling – not on the singer or pianist alone. Each duo played with some great strengths and the level of the finalists was high. It was therefor decided to award two second prizes. Maybe calling them second prizes was wrong on this occasion. Each finalist was celebrated in all the prize categories. In the eyes of the IVC they are all winners.
Two LiedDuos received the Staetshuys Fund Prize: soprano Daria Brusova (Russia, 1997) & pianist Mark Vaza (Russia, 1999) and soprano Marie Maidowski (Germany, 1998) & pianist Youngseob Jeon (South Korea, 1989). Baritone Giacomo Schmidt (Germany, 1997) & pianist Jong Sun Woo (South Korea, 1992) won the Van Riemsdijk Prize for the best performance of the new IVC Prize song Veronese’s Green. The Van Amelsvoort Prize was also awarded for the first time this year for the best performance of work by a female composer. All finalists won one or more prizes. Two prizes were also awarded to LiedDuos from the semi-finals. They are all rightful winners!
The 56th edition of the International Vocal Competition is the first competition under the direction of new General & Artistic director Andrew Watts. The IVC is the only international classical vocal competition in the Netherlands and attracts singers and pianists from all over the world. From 95 duos that applied, 14 duos were selected to compete for a place in the finals. All LiedDuos had to compose the repertoire of their recital themselves within the predefined norms of the competition. The only compulsory work for all duos is always the Prize song; this year and in 2024 it is Veronese’s Green by lyricist Mark Pantus and composer Bart Visman. During the LiedDuo competition, both vocalists and pianists will be judged. The jury consisting of baritone Bo Skovhus, mezzo-soprano Sophie Koch, composer Errollyn Wallen, pianist Nino Gvetadze, pianist Stefan Vladar and pianist Hans Eijsackers awarded the following prizes:
Staetshuys Fund Prize (2nd Prize) € 3,500
Daria Brusova, soprano (Russia, 1997) & Mark Vaza, pianist (Russia, 1999)
Marie Maidowski, soprano (Germany, 1998) & Youngseob Jeon, pianist (South Korea, 1989)
Van Riemsdijk Prize € 2,500
(best performance Veronese’s Green)
Giacomo Schmidt, baritone (Germany, 1997) & Jong Sun Woo, pianist (South Korea, 1992)
Van Amelsvoort Prize € 2,500
(best performance composition female composer)
Marie Maidowski, soprano (Germany, 1998) & Youngseob Jeon, pianist (South Korea, 1989)
Friends of the IVC Prize € 2,000
Vinicius Costa da Silva, bass-baritone (Brazil, 1995) & Pierre-Nicolas Colombat, pianist (France, 1992)
Rudolf Jansen Prize € 1,500
Mark Vaza, pianist (Russia, 1999)
ANED Fund Audience Prize € 1,500
Giacomo Schmidt, baritone (Germany, 1997) & Jong Sun Woo, pianist (South Korea, 1992)
Press Prize € 1,000
Annabel Kennedy, mezzo-soprano (United Kingdom 1997) & Ana Manastireanu, pianist (Romenia, 1995)
Junior Jury Prize € 500
Annabel Kennedy, mezzo-soprano (United Kingdom 1997) & Ana Manastireanu, pianist (Romenia, 1995)
Engagement Prize International Lied Festival Zeist
Giacomo Schmidt, baritone (Germany, 1997) & Jong Sun Woo, pianist (South Korea, 1992)
Engagementsprijs Vrienden van het Lied (Friends of the Art Song Netherlands)
Elenora Hu, soprano (Netherlands, 1995) & Amy Chang, pianist (New-Zealand, 1994)
About the 57th IVC Opera I Oratorio 2024
The 57th edition of the International Vocal Competition with focus on Opera I Oratorio will take place from 27 September to 5 October 2024 at the new Theater aan de Parade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. During the Grand Finals in 2024, the singers will be accompanied by the Philzuid.
