Meet-up
Share best practice examples and nightmare experiences
Participants of the session, including representatives of orchestras and ensembles for young professionals as well as stakeholders and partners will briefly share best practice examples and total fails from real life.
Coordinated by Maximilian von Aulock
May 14, 2025, 13:15
- 14:00
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Film Showcase
In May 2023, parallel to the official Mahler Festival in Leipzig, KLASSIK underground presented the “Wunderhorn Festival” in the underground Moritzbastei next door to the Gewandhaus.
Presenter: Tahlia Petrosian
May 14, 2025, 12:00
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Opening Night
(Piano and voice)
May 12, 2025, 19:00
- 23:00
KühlhausBerlin
Meet-up
Sharing insights on global trends in art music
Join the STATUS network for an open discussion addressing global trends and challenges in art music. STATUS, a Nordic network of music professionals, has pioneered a “share and mirror” model to foster collaborative reflection and knowledge exchange.
Coordinated by Tuuli Elo
Coordinated by Regin Petersen
Coordinated by Signy Leifsdottir
Coordinated by Regin Petersen
Coordinated by Signy Leifsdottir
May 13, 2025, 13:30
- 14:30
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Mentoring Session
Exploring and Communicating Your Unique Value
Classical musicians often neglect to explore their unique value, leading to discomfort in self-promotion. These mentoring sessions will help participants recognize their individuality and raise awareness about leveraging digital tools to enhance visibility and build a strong personal brand.
With Tiziana Tentoni
May 12, 2025, 12:15
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
Create your unique brand as a classical musician and build your fan base
In today’s evolving classical music industry, building a personal artistic brand is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term success. This session, “Building your own Artistic Brand as a Musician,” addresses this important topic by discussing the necessity of building a personal connection to audiences via digital platforms through communication and relationship.
With Michelle Lynne
May 14, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Conference
Artistic leadership of socially and musically diverse ensembles
WORKSHOP l Gain an insight into artistic leadership with socially and artistically diverse groups. Practical music making, questions and dynamic conversation.
Chaired by Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffiths
May 12, 2025, 15:15
- 16:00
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Meet-up
How to counteract brain drain and skills shortage
NJO stands for innovation and change in (classical) music. It provides space for thought and development, inspiring new concepts for cultural practice. It advises and inspires the classical music scene according to its motto “Musical life at the pulse of society”.
Coordinated by Katharina von Radowitz
Coordinated by Alexander von Nell
Coordinated by Alexander von Nell
May 14, 2025, 16:15
- 17:15
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Project Pitch
The Game is an innovative operatic stage work by British-Turkish composer Elif Nur Karlıdağ, blending opera with a narrative-driven video game to push the boundaries of both art forms.
Presenter: Elif Nur Karlıdağ
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Mentoring Session
Develop your international network!
You are an artist or a music professional and would like to work more at international level. In this session, we will discuss strategies to develop your own international network, including objectives and expected benefits, tools, implications on your organisation and its development.
With Helena De Winter
May 13, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Showcase
(Ukraine/Finland)
A patchwork-like recital of extra-short contemporary solo violin works between 1 and 40 seconds long. Featuring 55 pieces from 50 composers, heavily inspired by the early punk scenes this program condenses intensities into a surge played non-stop. A bit punk, a bit crazy, a bit inebriated.
Presenter: Orest Smovzh
May 12, 2025, 17:00
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
Conference
Using virtual reality to break down barriers to the orchestral experience
DISCUSSION & PRACTICE | An interactive session with the creators behind Philharmonia: Virtual Orchestra. Find out how to attract new audiences to the concert hall with a virtual reality experience from the heart of the orchestra.
Chaired by Marta Génova
with Sebastian Hagemeister, Henrik Oppermann
May 13, 2025, 17:15
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 9
Conference
A Celebration of Black and Queer Voices Through Song and Vogue
PRESENTATION | The difficulties and pay-offs of creating a safe and accessible space within traditional concert structures for nontraditional programming and audiences.
Chaired by Kunal Lahiry
with Lucilla Schmidinger
May 14, 2025, 15:15
- 16:00
Colosseum
, Kino 3
off C:N Presentation
Putting you at the heart of the orchestra
With Philharmonia: Virtual Orchestra we offer audiences the chance to put on a headset and experience our playing in ground-shaking detail, from the best seat in the house – onstage among the players.
Presenter: Marta Génova
with Sebastian Hagemeister, Henrik Oppermann
May 12, 2025, 12:00
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 9
Meet-up
One-on-One Conversations on Current Topics Steered by EFA
Join the ‘Networking Session’, coordinated by the European Festivals Association (EFA), for a dynamic series of one-on-one conversations with professionals from the global music sector. This networking space offers an opportunity to meet new colleagues, share insights, and have focused discussions on key industry topics.
Coordinated by Luana Santos
May 14, 2025, 11:30
- 12:30
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Showcase
(USA)
Formed in 2020 in New York, the Anzû Quartet is an all-star ensemble dedicated to the music of our time and the recent canon.
Presenter: Anzû Quartet
May 13, 2025, 22:00
- 22:30
Säälchen
Mentoring Session
Overcoming financial barriers to help musicians reach their full potential
Access to high-quality instruments is essential for musicians to reach their full potential. However, the high cost of these instruments presents a significant challenge, particularly for young artists. This session will explore innovative solutions to help musicians overcome financial barriers and gain access to the instruments they need to advance their careers.
With Anja Schulze
May 12, 2025, 12:15
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Conference
Tailor-made solutions to let flexibility and creativity thrive
INTERACTIVE PANEL | This panel portrays the diversity in the sector of indie labels. Tailor-made solutions for different kinds of recording projects.
Chaired by Timo Hagemeister
with Becky Lees, Sebastian Solte, Lorraine Buzea, Dr Emma Pauncefort
May 14, 2025, 13:00
- 14:15
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Conference
How to make classical music meaningfully accessible for disabled people
INTERACTIVE PANEL | Three leading British changemaking organizations explore what accessibility truly means. Join representatives from Attitude is Everything, Drake Music, and Black Lives in Music for a reflective session on achieving accessibility and inclusion.
Chaired by Paul Hawkins
with Sally Currie, Roger Wilson
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Showcase
(Iceland)
The Icelandic flute septet viibra performs four works from their celebrated debut album viibra, released last year, which explores the possibilities of expanded flute playing.
Presenter: viibra
May 14, 2025, 21:30
- 22:00
Säälchen
Conference
The conversation we need to start today in order to face what’s NEXT
PRESENTATION | Mental health professionals play a key role in fostering innovation, sustainability and excellence within the classical music community.
Chaired by Francisca Fernandez
May 14, 2025, 16:00
- 16:45
Colosseum
, Kino 2
Showcase
(Germany)
The arcis_collective reimagines chamber music by fusing it with the dance of today into a joint performing act. With the club production Live ❤️ Arcis, the group turns the venue into an immersive space and an up-close experience.
Presenter: arcis_collective
May 14, 2025, 23:15
- 23:45
Kater Blau
Conference
Discussing insights and implications from current research projects
INTERACTIVE PANEL | How can we investigate audiences and their experiences at innovative concerts? Let’s explore research approaches and discuss how we can translate research findings into practice.
Chaired by Lea Jakob
with Nina Paul, Sarah Price
May 14, 2025, 12:30
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 2
Showcase
(Switzerland/Spain)
AIR is Roberto Maqueda’s first solo project, inspired by the multi-layering concept inherent to percussion. This project combines amplified instruments with solenoid valve modules, creating analog drum machines.
Presenter: Roberto Maqueda
May 14, 2025, 00:15
- 00:45
Kater Blau
Conference
Solving the problem of the second performance
INTERACTIVE PANEL | Resonate aims to inspire more performances, recordings and broadcasts of outstanding contemporary repertoire, as chosen by orchestras, whilst strengthening approaches to programming this music for the benefit of audiences, composers and players in the UK and overseas.
Chaired by Elizabeth Sills
with Naomi Belshaw, Dr. Dobrinka Tabakova, Sam McShane
May 12, 2025, 16:45
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Project Pitch
A programme of music by and about trailblazing Japanese women, featuring Francesca Le Lohé’s song cycle for satsuma biwa performer Akiko Kubota.
Presenter: Francesca Le Lohé
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Project Pitch
Presenting fantastical, experimental, collaborative and placed-based events that extend your ears in unexpected ways through warped grooves, evocative soundscapes, augmented instruments, and found objects.
Presenter: Prof. Vanessa Tomlinson
May 13, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Meet-up
A networking and sharing-of-information session by IAMIC
IAMIC (International Association of Music Centres) is an international network of organisations that collectively and collaboratively provide information and promote the music of our countries and regions.
Coordinated by Jonathan Grimes
May 13, 2025, 15:15
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Project Pitch
With “KULT”, the Orchester im Treppenhaus questions concert habits and establishes new rituals: Twenty-three musicians and a conductor unleash the concert hall – and the audience.
Presenter: Thomas Posth
May 13, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Conference
How standing out creates a storm of impact | Boat Cruise
DISCUSSION & PRACTICE | Dare to be different: This session turns authenticity into action and celebrates the power of not fitting in.
Chaired by Sandra Janke
Project Pitch
Marceline merges contemporary dance and baroque music (with a string quartet, a dancer and a soprano) in a poetic and immersive scenography with lots of technology and participation for all kinds of audience, including babies and toddlers.
Presenter: Albert Vilà
May 13, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
off C:N Showcase
Berlin Club Stage
Johannes Motschmann’s music combines new compositional techniques with the raw energy of older, analogue synthesizers, creating an unmistakable sound in the process.
Presenter: Johannes Motschmann
May 14, 2025, 22:00
- 22:30
Kater Blau
Project Pitch
Why do we long for connections? With “Let’s Play: Connection Loading”, Godot Komplex, Ella Estrella Tischa, and Christina Mäckelburg created a hybrid concert project exploring connections with oneself, the environment, and others.
Presenter: Johannes Worms
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Mentoring Session
Self-manage and dynamically develop your artistic career as an musician
Can an artist be their own concert agent? A short meeting with young musicians beginning their careers as musicians or organisers. Are you dreaming of a unique career? Don’t wait for the phone to ring, take things into your own hands.
With Prof. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf
May 12, 2025, 12:15
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
Online marketing that builds meaningful connections and funds your mission
You get to ask specific questions regarding your YouTube strategy to help carry out actionable items on how to build a meaningful online community, and improve your audience engagement. You will also learn firsthand on how to use YouTube Analytics to make artistic and business decisions to help fund your mission.
With Eric Mrugala
May 13, 2025, 15:30
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Showcase
(Taiwan)
Twincussion delivers dynamic percussion performances that seamlessly blend Taiwanese folk music, classical pieces, and electronic elements.
Presenter: Jen-Ting Chien Presenter: Jen-Yu Chien
May 14, 2025, 20:30
- 21:00
Säälchen
off C:N Showcase
Berlin Club Stage
Dive into the mesmerising soundscape of Alex Stolze’s latest record “רעש ורוח, – Raash ve Ruach”: this work weaves together the contrasts of contemporary classical music and electronica, where the violin takes center stage, singing in place of words during a time that often feels speechless.
Presenter: Alex Stolze
May 14, 2025, 21:00
- 21:30
Kater Blau
Meet-up
Strategies for the DIY Music Community.
“Not everyone who works in music works for large organisations. Many of us have to wear multiple hats to get our work heard and produce the projects we want to create. We have to do it all ourselves including fundraising, marketing, booking, recording, releasing and so much more. It has always been difficult. However, often someone else has been through the same thing as you and is willing to share their experience.
Coordinated by Matthew Whiteside
with Romina Lischka
May 13, 2025, 12:15
- 13:15
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Mentoring Session
Understanding how your music might be placed in TV or film
Are you a classical musician/composer or ensemble interested in getting your existing music placed in film and TV? Navigating the sync world can be complex, understanding who the key decision-makers are crucial to success.
With Naomi Belshaw
May 14, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Conference
Breaking the Cycle of "We Should"
INTERACTIVE PANEL | Real change in the classical music industry starts with honest conversations and bold action. Let’s challenge the status quo with some spicy questions and inspire progress together!
Chaired by Kian Jazdi
with Dorothee Kalbhenn, Beat Fehlmann, Hannah Bregler
May 12, 2025, 15:30
- 16:30
Colosseum
, Kino 2
Showcase
(UK)
Gabriel Prokofiev is a composer of classical and electronic music, and the founder of Nonclassical record label and events (launched in 2004). Through Nonclassical, he is one of the leading proponents of presenting classical music in non-traditional venues, and pioneered the concept of bringing DJ sets to late-night classical gigs.
Presenter: Gabriel Prokofiev
May 14, 2025, 23:45
- 00:15
Kater Blau
Conference
Rethinking the history of music through a global lens
PRESENTATION | Did you know music of composers like Haydn or Mozart originated in places like Persia, Africa, and China? Come learn about this interesting history.
Chaired by Vincent Sneed
May 13, 2025, 15:45
- 16:30
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Mentoring Session
Opportunities and challenges of playing by heart
More and more orchestras and ensembles are playing entire symphonic works from memory – a trend seems to be emerging. What is the motivation behind it? Will this practice catch on, even outside the independent scene?
With Justus Wille
May 12, 2025, 12:15
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
New ways in enhancing engagement and creativity
Music pedagogy is facing new challenges. What do we do when learners’ motivation for persistent learning declines? How do we change teaching methods that would improve their concentration and raise their interest for the long term?
With Susanna Ertolahti-Mertanen
May 13, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
off C:N Showcase, Showcase
(Faroe Islands)
The Faroe Islands may be a small country, but it boasts a thriving music scene across all genres. Someone once said that the Faroe Islands must have the largest music scene on the planet per capita—and we believe that might just be true.
Presenter: Kristina Thede Johansen
with Ólavur Jakobsen
May 12, 2025, 16:00
- 16:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
Mentoring Session
Create your unique brand as a classical musician and build your fan base
In today’s evolving classical music industry, building a personal artistic brand is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term success. This session, “Building your own Artistic Brand as a Musician,” addresses this important topic by discussing the necessity of building a personal connection to audiences via digital platforms through communication and relationship.
With Michelle Lynne
May 13, 2025, 15:30
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Showcase
(Hungary)
The new production of Bartók Prize winning jazz and contemporary singer Veronika Harcsa, harpist Anastasia Razvalyaeva and composer Bálint Bolcsó translates Schubert’s music into borderless musical language.
Presenter: Schubert NOW!
May 14, 2025, 22:30
- 23:00
Säälchen
Project Pitch
Immersive music celebrating neurodiversity
Double-ARIA nominated pianist/composer Nat Bartsch presents Forever Changed: a suite of ambient lullabies exploring her autistic/ADHD identity.
Presenter: Nat Bartsch
May 13, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
off C:N Showcase
Berlin Club Stage
The renowned musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist STUDNITZKY presents a new, electronic interpretation from his moving collaboration with the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra MEMENTO ODESA. The ECHO Jazz and OPUS Klassik awardwinner embodies genre-spanning Sound Art across jazz, classical and electronic music.
Presenter: Sebastian Studnitzky
May 14, 2025, 23:00
- 23:30
Kater Blau
Conference
Using self-determination theory to demonstrate social impact
DISCUSSION & PRACTICE | Discover how to foster advocacy for music’s social impact using insights from sports psychology and Self-Determination Theory.
Chaired by Fiona Stevens
with Michelle Robinson
May 14, 2025, 11:15
- 12:15
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Showcase
(Indonesia/UK)
Aris Daryono is an Indonesian composer, traditional gamelan musician, and educator based in London. His music is deeply rooted in his gamelan heritage, which he explores and integrates with Western ensembles and electronic elements to craft distinctive soundscapes.
Presenter: Aris Daryono
May 13, 2025, 16:30
- 17:00
Colosseum
, Kino 10
Project Pitch
Mobilephoneorchestra.com (MPO) is an inclusive concept for contemporary classical music, engaging youth with smartphones in expressive performances with professional orchestras/ensembles/soloists.
Presenter: Anders Lind
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Conference
Come play at future intersections of technology, literacy, and creativity
WORKSHOP | What might the future of digital literacy look like for creative communities in 2035? And how might technological skills drive positive outcomes, innovation and opportunity?
Chaired by Suzanne Stein
with Patti Schmidt, Rhyna Thompson
May 13, 2025, 13:30
- 14:45
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
Understanding how your music might be placed in TV or film
Are you a classical musician/composer or ensemble interested in getting your existing music placed in film and TV? Navigating the sync world can be complex, understanding who the key decision-makers are crucial to success.
With Naomi Belshaw
May 13, 2025, 15:30
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
Self-manage and dynamically develop your artistic career as an musician
Can an artist be their own concert agent? A short meeting with young musicians beginning their careers as musicians or organisers. Are you dreaming of a unique career? Don’t wait for the phone to ring, take things into your own hands.
With Prof. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf
May 14, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Mentoring Session
Overcoming financial barriers to help musicians reach their full potential
Access to high-quality instruments is essential for musicians to reach their full potential. However, the high cost of these instruments presents a significant challenge, particularly for young artists. This session will explore innovative solutions to help musicians overcome financial barriers and gain access to the instruments they need to advance their careers.
With Anja Schulze
May 13, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Conference
Where do we stand and what are the future trends?
INTERACTIVE PANEL | The panel discussion will delve into the issue of the availability and accessibility of cultural content on digital platforms, questioning the multifaceted role of algorithmic recommendations in shaping visibility for creators and affecting cultural diversity.
Chaired by Esther Gottschalk
with Zahra Mani, Dr. Jannick Kirk Sørensen
May 13, 2025, 16:45
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Meet-up
What you've always wanted to talk about but never dared to
A candid, off-the-record exchange between orchestra managers, addressing the complex internal and external challenges they face and exploring possible solutions together.
Coordinated by Gerald Mertens
Coordinated by Pamela Coats
Coordinated by Pamela Coats
May 12, 2025, 15:45
- 16:45
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Meet-up
The gap between amateurs and professionals
Sharing thoughts on how the gap between amateurs and professions can be bridged and considering if it should it be bridged at all. Plus, what can composers themselves do to place their works with choirs?
Coordinated by Bernhard Heß
May 12, 2025, 12:30
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Conference
Why your orchestra’s branding isn’t attracting new audiences
PRESENTATION | “We have finally found a way to measure if your orchestra’s brand is attracting or deterring new audiences and what people actually think when they encounter your brand for the first time.”
Chaired by Cecilie Szkotak Nielsen
with Søren Mikael Rasmussen, Sabrina Solis
May 13, 2025, 13:00
- 14:00
Colosseum
, Kino 2