Film Showcase
Die Wandlung is an art film inspired by Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, visually narrating an ancient Romanian legend.
Presenter: Michael Riemer
May 13, 2025, 12:00
- 13:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Project Pitch
A Road to Wesleyville is a project that brings together traditional Western Classical Music and Indigenous fiddling culture.
Presenter: Elissa Lee
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
off C:N Presentation
Harnessing AI to promote diversity in classical music concert programming
OpusXX presents an intelligent research assistant to help musicians and institutions integrate works by women composers in their concert programming.
Presenter: Vanessa Chartrand
with Michael Taylor
May 14, 2025, 14:15
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 2
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
(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
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
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
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
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
Conference
How artist management, labels and music conservatories collaborate
INTERACTIVE PANEL | “Our world is in the middle of various transformations, so is our music business. In order to keep our wonderful eco-system healthy and alive, it is our goal to find new models and alliances for helping artists with a sustainable career.”
Chaired by Alexander Hollensteiner
with Avi Avital, Valérie Groß
May 13, 2025, 15:00
- 16:00
Colosseum
, Kino 2
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
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
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
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
(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, 22:30
- 23:15
Kater Blau
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
Mark your calendar for 8-11 April 2026!
Join us for a moment of celebration and anticipation as we unveil the host city for Classical:NEXT 2026! This special session will feature surprise guests and exclusive insights into what’s in store next year. Whether you’re curious, excited, or just love a good reveal, you won’t want to miss this announcement. Be there when the secret is finally out!
Chaired by Fabienne KrauseChaired by Laszlo Harkanyi
with András Lelkes, Sára Venczel
May 13, 2025, 14:45
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 10
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
Project Pitch
A cutting-edge experience for VR
What if anyone could play music in the concert hall? Concerts of the Future invites you to sit on stage in a cutting-edge VR experience, performing alongside musicians – no experience required.
Presenter: Dr. Ciaran Frame
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Project Pitch
Inner Life is both a composition and an alchemical formula—a game and an artistic experiment. Wim Henderickx (1962-2022) crafted a seven-chapter score, each lasting seven minutes, for a core ensemble of seven musicians.
Presenter: Maja Lozic
May 13, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
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 14, 2025, 10:00
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 9
Conference
Reimagining musical participation for art music audiences
WORKSHOP | How do you get 10,000 people to play art music on the kazoo? Join us for a hands-on workshop that takes a deep dive into audience participation.
Chaired by Dr. Ciaran Frame
May 14, 2025, 10:30
- 11:15
Colosseum
, Kino 4
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
Conference
The power of regional collaboration and practical tools to highlight underserved musical diversity
PRESENTATION | Beyond the usual classical music hotspots and established repertoire, lies an immense wealth of exciting musical creativity and opportunity. But how can we form collaborations and develop tools to meaningfully boost engagement? Come and be inspired by the initiatives led through Ibermúsicas, and discover the hidden gems of Ibero-American classical music!
Chaired by Francisco Varela
May 13, 2025, 12:00
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Opening Night
Weltenwandern – a music-theater collage about bird migration
May 12, 2025, 19:00
- 23:00
KühlhausBerlin
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
Meet-up
Invite only international speed meetings & networking event
Country Connections is an annual networking event that brings together delegates from around the world for quick fire meetings. These meetings will facilitate introductions and broker business connections with practitioners and companies from around the globe.
Coordinated by Larry Heath
May 13, 2025, 11:45
- 12:45
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
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 13, 2025, 10:15
- 11:00
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
Showcase
(Germany)
Roman Rofalski, pianist and composer, has rooted his musical life in the urge for constant change. Always searching for new frontiers, he experiments with various styles, aiming to remove the artificial boundaries between composed classical music, improvised modern jazz and contemporary electronics.
Presenter: Roman Rofalski
May 13, 2025, 22:30
- 23:15
Kater Blau
Conference
The Classical:NEXT user’s guide
PRESENTATION | A special session designed specifically for new delegates, especially those new to large B2B gatherings, to help them maximise all of the available opportunities at Classical:NEXT.
Chaired by Fabienne Krause
with Aliena Haig
May 12, 2025, 15:00
- 15:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
Project Pitch
Experience the Future of Creativity
OK AI is a mobile AI-powered concert venue where artificial intelligence collaborates with musicians and visual artists to create an immersive, interactive experience, redefining the boundaries of live performance and creative partnership.
Presenter: Dominique Vleeshouwers
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Project Pitch
Led by internationally acclaimed artist Rachel Jones, Hey, Maudie radically redefines creative models in opera by combining literature, poetry, music and fashion.
Presenter: Rachel Jones
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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 13, 2025, 10:00
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 9
Conference
Exploring alternative ways of working to reposition in a modern world
INTERACTIVE PANEL | “The existing orchestral model is a barrier to our ability to develop the artform of classical music and reposition it in a modern world. Reevaluating the orchestral model today is a key part of classical music’s survival strategy” – Toks Dada.
Chaired by Toks Dada
with Linda Begbie, John Harte, Jonathan Harper
May 13, 2025, 10:30
- 11:45
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
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
Showcase
(Brazil)
Brazilian composer Rafael Macedo has performed with artists such as Hermeto Pascoal and UAKTI. Talvez uma dansa is the fourth original project by Minas Gerais composer, released in 2023, by the record label Rocinante.
Presenter: Rafael Macedo
May 13, 2025, 20:00
- 20:30
Säälchen
Meet-up
Bridging Education and Industry: Innovation, Inclusion and the Digi-Shift
As the role of musicians evolves, Higher Music Education Institutions (HMEIs) are adapting to prepare students for success as socially responsible leaders. This session explores how to bridge education and industry and will present the work achieved in this regard from the side of HME, within the ARTEMIS project coordinated by the European Association of Conservatoires.
Coordinated by Finn Schumacker
with Monica Vejgaard, Celia Duffy
May 12, 2025, 12:00
- 13:00
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Project Pitch
An enchanting reflection on a child’s emotions in this sensitive yet powerful project by one of Poland’s leading wind quintets.
Presenter: Alicja Kieruzalska
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Film Showcase
This series follows Brussels Philharmonic bassist Thomas Fiorini through the process of realising his lifelong dream of recording and performing a concerto for bass guitar.
Presenter: Sonja Kochoutina
May 14, 2025, 12:00
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Project Pitch
A cross-disciplinary performance in the museum
Nestled in museums and galleries, a versatile cast creates a dialogue between the transience of the performing arts and the enduring nature of the visual arts, where the gaze of the spectator adds the final brushstroke.
Presenter: Maja Lozic
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Innovation Awards
The Classical:NEXT Innovation Award highlights groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of classical music worldwide. It celebrates individuals and initiatives that drive progress through bold, yet thoughtful and effective, experimentation in ideas, planning, and action.
May 14, 2025, 18:00
- 19:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
Conference
Empowering communities through music and collective action
PRESENTATION | Using music as a tool for inclusion, we redefine cultural rights and empower vulnerable communities through innovative musical repertoires.
Chaired by María Juliana Velásquez Trujillo
with Diego Zapata, Paulo Salazar
May 13, 2025, 13:45
- 14:45
Colosseum
, Kino 4
Project Pitch
One-hour space opera in motion manga.
“Beethoven Wars, a fight for peace” is a high-tech immersive scenic project in motion manga, built on Beethoven’s stage music “König Stephan op.117” and “Die Ruinen von Athen op.113”, performed live by the Insula orchestra and choir accentus.
Presenter: David Lehodey
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
Opening Night
The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO Berlin) was highlighted as the “orchestral think tank” among the capital city’s orchestras by the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
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
Film Showcase
The project “Ophelia, the Hysterical” is a new proposal for the performance of the traditional repertoire, “Drei Lieder der Ophelia”, Op.67, by Richard Strauss, presented in three short audiovisual episodes.
Presenter: Nívea Renata Alencar de Freitas
May 13, 2025, 12:00
- 13:15
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Showcase
(Germany)
Roman Rofalski, pianist and composer, has rooted his musical life in the urge for constant change. Always searching for new frontiers, he experiments with various styles, aiming to remove the artificial boundaries between composed classical music, improvised modern jazz and contemporary electronics.
Presenter: Roman Rofalski
May 13, 2025, 23:45
- 00:15
Kater Blau
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
Conference
Orchestras - a political entity and political force?
PRESENTATION | Is classical music above the political and social trends and issues of our time? No!
Join us in exploring how the classical music industry can shape the future through programming and communication!
Join us in exploring how the classical music industry can shape the future through programming and communication!
Chaired by Marlene Brüggen
with Henriette Kupke
May 13, 2025, 16:30
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 2
off C:N Presentation
Unlocking new dimensions with immersive hyperreal sound
This two-hour session explores the creative and experiential potential of immersive hyperreal sound in classical and classically inspired music.
Presenter: Ole Bækhøj
with Maestro Ralf Weikert, Belle Chen, Burke Turner, Igor Longato, Ian Caballero, Göran Andersson
May 14, 2025, 15:30
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 6
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
Conference
How to succeed in your net zero journey in classical music
INTERACTIVE PANEL | If we in the cultural business can’t establish a sustainability culture, who else can? The good news is, there’s a solution for every challenge. It’s time for us to lead the way.
Chaired by Lea Brückner
with Jacob Sylvester Bilabel, Jean-Frédéric Caron, Aliena Haig
May 13, 2025, 11:15
- 12:30
Colosseum
, Kino 2
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