ISLC Foundation
The ISLC Foundation (Stichting Internationaal Liedconcours) was established in 2008. It is a not-for-profit organisation, the only aim of which is the organization of the annual Lied Duo competition. Its establishment was inspired by the fact that a competition of this kind was not as yet organized in Europe. The challenge of offering students this opportunity was taken up with great pleasure.
For its financial resources, the foundation is completely dependent upon sponsorships, financial aids from both private and governmental funds, and to a minor extent on entrance fees from participants and the audience.
Executive Committee
The actual organisation of the competition is conducted by the Artistic Director, Marien van Nieukerken and the Managing Director, Marc Altink.
Marien van Nieukerken
artistic director
The pianist Marien van Nieukerken was one of four finalists in the First International Contest for Lied accompanists, held in the Hague in 1986. He started a career as a pianist for recitals of Lieder, music theatre productions and chamber music. Marien van Nieukerken gives courses as a guest lecturer on Lied interpretation and Lied accompaniment in many schools in Germany, Austria, Japan, Finland and France. In 2009, his passion for the Lied genre as well as its interpreters provided the motivation to establish, together with Marc Altink, the International Student Lied Duo Competition.
Marc Altink
managing director
Marc Altink is our last hope when we despair… As our managing director, he is in charge of by far the largest part of all that needs to be taken care of!
Board Members
Jan Wolters
chairman
Jan Wolters is a director at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. Moreover, he is the former director of the Conservatory of Enschede, and also a pianist. You can visit the website of Saxion here.
Govert Valkenburg
secretary
Govert Valkenburg is the secretary of the board and of the jury. He works as an academic researcher. He also studied classical vocals, and sings a lot of Baroque. For further information, visit his website.
Thomas Beke
Treasurer
Thomas Beke takes care of our funding and cash flow.
