Prégardien: Rihm makes link between music and text palpable
For decades, German tenor Christoph Prégardien (69) has been a sought-after singer and passionate stage performer who seems to have eternal youth. On Friday, he will open the International Song Festival Zeist. Journalist Maartje Stokkers asked him about his elixir of life and the special repertoire he sings in Zeist. That is a mix of Schubert and dark songs by Wolfgang Rihm (1952-2024) composed especially for him.
16-18 May: traffic disruption A12
From 9 to 19 May, Rijkswaterstaat will completely close the A12 from Veenendaal towards Utrecht - between Maanderbroek junction and Lunetten junction - to carry out major maintenance. Therefore, please allow for longer travel times when visiting us during the opening weekend (16-18 May).
Bring the festival into your home!
As a host parent, you are close to the music in your own home. And what could be more fun than immersing yourself in the festival by hosting young musicians.
become a friend of the International Song Festival Zeist!
Friends have an edge with us: for example, you get a 10% discount on all recitals, master classes, day tickets and the passe-partout.
contribute to the top of tomorrow: become a Maecenas!
Talent development is an important pillar of the International Song Festival Zeist. The Next Generation Fund was established for this purpose.
international master class for song duos
Ever since the first festival, six song duos have been admitted to our intensive, seven-day master class every year after a selection period.
young artist platform
In 2021, the festival introduced a new element: the Young Artist Platform. An audition in which six young, talented duos from home and abroad compete for two engagement prizes.
mission and purpose
Everyone sings. For themselves, for others or with others. Singing is the most direct way of making music. Songs - whether they are hundreds of years old, or composed today - most directly express human soul emotions. And that is why there is the International Song Festival Zeist.
organisation
The International Song Festival Zeist Foundation was established on 5 June 2015. The foundation subscribes to the Culture Governance Code, the Fair Practice Code and the Diversity and Inclusion Code and applies them or has included actions in its policy to implement the principles and recommendations of these codes.
artistic direction and vision
A song festival is only worthy of its name because of the people who wear it. But a song festival is worthy of its name only because of the people who wear it. In the first place, that was our artistic director from the very beginning: Robert Holl. Without exaggeration, he is one of the greatest singers and pedagogues of our time. From 2023, the artistic leadership will be in the hands of Henk Neven and Hans Eijsackers.
