The Art of Song Maastricht Masterclass
A Masterclass on the Interpretation of Art Song
February 23–March 28, 2027
The J.M. Vogl-stichting voor de Zangkunst invites young professional Lied duos (singer & pianist) to apply for The Art of Song Maastricht, an intensive international masterclass in the interpretation of art song. Designed for advanced conservatoire students and recent graduates (up to five years after graduation), the programme offers a unique opportunity to study with the internationally acclaimed artists baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Iain Burnside. During the festival, set within the inspiring atmosphere of the historic city of Maastricht, participants explore music, poetry and performance as one inseparable whole through world-class coaching, concerts, performances and artistic exchange with fellow musicians from around the world.
Go to online registration form.
Masterclass Overview
From Tuesday 23 until Sunday 28 February 2027, participants take part in an intensive six-day programme at the heart of The Art of Song Maastricht.
During the week, participants benefit from:
- A Welcome Reception on 23 February, bringing together participants, artists, sponsors and invited guests to celebrate the opening of the festival at the Paleis van de Hoogproost (Henric van Veldekeplein 29).
- Free access to the opening concert on 23 February 'Eight Haiku' by Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside.
- Public masterclasses from 24-26 February with Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside in the inspiring Sint Janskerk (Vrijthof 24).
- Individual (non-public) workshop 'Storytelling' from 24-26 February with theatre director Sybrand van der Werf at the Paleis van de Hoogproost.
- A coached Try-out Recital, on February 27 followed by individual artistic feedback from the masterclass teachers.
- A performance in the Final Concert on February 28 before an international jury of distinguished artists and professionals.
- Complimentary admission to all festival events, including three more concerts.
- Free accommodation at the Zusters Onder de Bogen (Sint Servaasklooster 14), in the heart of Maastricht.
- The opportunity to meet and collaborate with talented young Lied duos from around the world.
- A chance at winning the Maastricht Art of Song Prize 2027, a cash prize of €2500,- and a payed recital during 2028's Festival.
Who Can Apply?
- Lied duos (singer & pianist) studying at a conservatoire or graduates (max. 5 years post-study)
- Repertoire: min. 10 songs. Participants are encouraged to bring a varied programme that reflects the festival theme, Pilgrimage of Song. Repertoire may include songs from different languages, cultures and stylistic periods, allowing each duo to explore a wide range of artistic and interpretative possibilities under the guidance of the masterclass teachers.
- Languages: lessons in English
- Limited spots: max. 8 duos – online audition required
Go to online registration form.
Application & Fees
- Fee: €350 p.p. (includes €50 application fee and accommodation, excludes catering)
- Apply by: January 17, 2027
- Selected duos will be notified January 24, 2027
Learn from two of today's leading Lied artists
The public masterclasses are led by Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside, two of the most respected figures in today's international world of song.
British baritone Roderick Williams OBE enjoys an international career spanning opera, concert and recital. Equally admired for his insightful interpretations of the Lied repertoire, he performs regularly at venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the BBC Proms, and collaborates with many of the world's leading orchestras and festivals. Alongside his performing career, he is a highly sought-after teacher and mentor for young singers.
Scottish pianist, broadcaster and writer Iain Burnside has long been recognised as one of the foremost collaborative pianists of his generation. His extensive recital career has brought him to the world's leading concert halls with many of today's finest singers. Widely respected for his profound understanding of poetry, language and musical interpretation, he is also a distinguished broadcaster for BBC Radio and an inspiring teacher of young Lied duos.
Together they coach singer and pianist as one artistic partnership, exploring interpretation, text, style, ensemble playing, artistic communication and stage presence.
Workshop 'Storytelling'
Every song tells a story. Sometimes that story is explicit and dramatic, as in Schubert's Erlkönig; at other times it is subtle, poetic or even unexpected—Leonard Bernstein, for example, famously transformed recipes into songs. Whatever the form, the challenge remains the same: how do you communicate the story so that it truly reaches your audience?
In this individual, non-public, workshop 'Storytelling', theatre director and actor Sybrand van der Werf explores the relationship between text, music and performance. Together, you will examine how a poem is constructed, how words and music interact, and how composers and poets use imagery, symbolism and dramatic structure to shape meaning.
Working from the central question, "Why do you want to tell me this?", Sybrand guides participants from first idea to convincing performance. Combining artistic interpretation with practical theatrical techniques, the sessions help you develop a stronger stage presence, communicate with greater authenticity and discover the personal urgency behind every song.
Whether your repertoire is intimate, humorous, dramatic or deeply philosophical, these sessions will help you bring every performance to life with clarity, imagination and conviction.
Where?
Public masterclasses take place in the the historic Sint Janskerk (Vrijthof 24), and the individual sessions 'Storytelling' in the Paleis van de Hoogproost (Henric van Veldekeplein 29).
Accommodation
Free accommodation is provided for all participating duos at the 'Zusters Onder de Bogen', Sint Servaasklooster 14 in Maastricht. Participants will share a double room wit separate beds.
Final Concert & Maastricht Art of Song Prize
The festival concludes on Sunday 28 February with the Final Concert, during which every participating duo presents the results of the week's work before an audience and an international jury.
The jury consists of:
- Roderick Williams – baritone
- Iain Burnside – pianist
- Andrew Watts – counter tenor and Artistic Director of International Vocal Competition Den Bosch (IVC)
- Lenneke Ruiten – soprano and recipient of the Elly Ameling Ring
- Doriana Tchakarova – pianist and professor of Lied Interpretation at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart
The jury is chaired by Vincent Kusters, baritone and artistic director of the festival.
One duo will receive the Maastricht Art of Song Prize, consisting of €2,500 and an invitation to give a paid recital in the 2028 edition of The Art of Song Maastricht.
Festival Concerts
As a participant in the masterclass, you will receive complimentary admission to all festival concerts.
Tuesday 23 February | 20:00
Opening Concert – Eight Haiku
Roderick Williams, baritone
Iain Burnside, piano
Thursday 25 February | 20:00
Spanisches Liederbuch: Hugo Wolf in het Spaans Gouvernement
Lenneke Ruiten, soprano
Vincent Kusters, baritone
Doriana Tchakarova, piano
Friday 26 February | 20:00
Festival Laureates Recital
Ferdinand Krumbügel, baritone
Sofi Simeonidis, piano
Saturday 27 February | 20:00
An die ferne Geliebte - Beethoven & Schubert: A Dialogue in Song
Vincent Kusters, baritone
Iain Burnside, piano
