Irene is currently pursuing a Master of Vocal Studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, UK. Here she studies with acclaimed mezzo soprano Sarah Pring.
Born in the Netherlands, Irene Hoogveld (1992) was educated as a classical pianist, before discovering her classical voice. She was taught at ArtEZ University of the Arts under the tutelage of soprano Claudia Patacca. Irene graduated for her Bachelor’s degree in June 2017 with a cum laude distinction.
Irene has performed as a soloist in a wide range of concert repertoire. Most notable are the Gloria by Poulenc, Elias, Hor mein Bitten and Psalm 42 by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Mis in D and Te Deum by Dvořák, Gloria, Magnificat and Nulla in mundo pax sincera by Vivaldi, Requiem by Fauré, Matthauspassion, Johannespassion, Osteroratorium and several cantatas by J.S. Bach and Requiem by Gounod.
Irene has sung the first installment of the very successful OperaLunch series, organised by the Dutch National Touring Opera. This concert contained various highlights of the opera repertoire. Since, Irene has sung multiple concerts for this opera company.
In 2016 Irene performed the main role in the opera production Kermisopera: Paard, Brandweerwagen en Kikker, in collaboration with the Kameroperahuis and the Dutch National Youth Orchestra (NJO). In the summer of 2018 Irene will perform two roles in the original Dutch opera production Thijl by Jan van Gilse, performed for the first time in 38 years. She will be working with the Stichting LustrumOpera and the Utrechtsch Studenten Concert. Additionally she will prepare the main female role in this production as cover. Other engagements include the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, a staged Bauernkantate (Mieke) by J. S. Bach and experimental performances containing newly written music with the Kameroperahuis.
Being passionate about modern, Dutch music, Irene has been a part of multiple premieres of contemporary Dutch composers. These include Tera de Marez Oyens, Bernard van Beurden, Zacharias Falkenberg, Joep Franssens and Frans Vermeerssen. The latter was performed in collaboration with the Dutch Symphony Orchestra, broadcasted live on national radio.
Irene successfully completed internships with the renowned Nederlands Kamerkoor and Groot Omroepkoor, in projects led by Hartmut Haenchen and Marcus Creed.
Irene has received masterclasses from Jane Manning OBE, Sharon Rostorf, Elizabeth Rowe, Margreet Honig, Olaf Bär and Lenneke Ruiten.
Irene has won the Euregio Vokalwettbewerb in Heek, Germany. She was a finalist during the Zangconcours Doorwerth 2013 and received an Encouragement prize during the Prinses Christinaconcours in 2014.
Irene is proud to be supported by the VandenEnde Foundation, VSB Fonds, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and Fundatie van Renswoude.
