Classical:NEXT Reveals 2026 Programme Previews
A First Look at the Classical:NEXT 2026 Programme
Global voices shaping the Budapest edition of the global classical and art music annual gathering.
For immediate release: Thursday, 18 December 2025
Classical:NEXT, the world’s largest international gathering for classical and art music professionals is heading to Budapest from 8–11 April 2026. Bringing together voices from all sectors, the event will serve as a meeting point to shape the future of the industry. The first programme previews highlight conference sessions with insightful and global perspectives on the most pressing questions facing the industry, from programming through audiences, technology, education, leadership and innovation.
Selecting the Programme
Reflecting the strength and diversity of its global community, Classical:NEXT received a record number of programme proposals from 56 countries, across conference sessions, showcase concerts, film showcases, project pitches, and mentoring sessions. Following an in-depth review process, the international jury of industry experts has made its selections.
“How fun and inspiring it was to review such thoughtful and powerful proposals, spanning industry perspectives and reflections on our role in today’s world. With great care and intention, we curated a plural and global programme, one we hope will spark new conversations, synergies and collaborations.”
Nathaly Ossa, Cultural Manager & 2026 Jury Member (Colombia)
The First Previews
Speakers in Budapest will represent a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives, with leading voices including:
- Camila Roa, Head of Management, National Youth and Children Orchestras Foundation (FOJI) (Chile)
- Davide Grosso, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, International Music Council (Italy)
- Dorian Jones, CEO, Melbourne Youth Orchestras (Australia)
- Fanny Martin, Executive Director, Music Biennale Zagreb (France/Croatia)
- Fiona Stevens, Executive Director, Basel Sinfonietta (UK/Switzerland)
- Helen Edwards, Senior Producer, Paraorchestra (UK)
- Jade Bouchemit, Deputy Director, Musée de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris (France)
- Joanne Karcheva, Brand and Communications Director, Manchester Collective (Bulgaria/UK)
- Kirsty Harris, Classical Programmer, Barbican Arts Centre (UK)
- Márton Horn, Director, House of Music Hungary (Hungary)
- Miguel Ángel Marín, Professor of Music at the Universidad de La Rioja and Artistic Director, Fundación Juan March (Spain)
- Pallavi Mahidhara, Concert Pianist and Educator (USA)
- Simon K. Posch, Managing Director, Haus der Musik (Austria)
- Tobias De Pessemier, International Relations & Visibility Coordinator, Platform 0090 (Belgium)
- Victoria Dietrich, Digital Development and Audience Engagement, Opernhaus Zürich (Germany/Switzerland)
- Weida Wang, Scholar and Creative Producer (UK/China)
- Zsuzsanna Szálka, Curator, House of Music Hungary (Hungary)
The Conference programme will delve into the dialogue between East Asian and Western perspectives about classical music, investigate the impact of new music technology on orchestral music and accessibility, and explore curating music in museum contexts. Sessions will also address the future of the opera house, opportunities for musicians in the streaming era, and how youth orchestras can foster excellence by increasing access.
Explore the programme previews
Registration is open
Delegates and Exhibitors can register at the Smart Rate until Friday, 9 January 2026 at midnight (CET) at classicalnext.com.
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About
Classical:NEXT is the global networking and exchange hub dedicated exclusively to classical and art music, where ideas are born, projects launched, and the genre’s future takes shape.
It is open to all professionals: artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, press, media, publishers and more. Classical:NEXT consists of an interactive Conference, Project Pitches, Showcase concerts, Film Showcases, Expo, Innovation Award and networking.
The 2025 edition in Berlin was the largest in the event’s history with over 1,500 professionals from over 50 countries attending. Watch the Aftermovie here.
For more information visit www.classicalnext.com
Downloads & Links
Classical:NEXT 2026 Speaker Photos
Classical:NEXT 2026 Jury Photos
Classical:NEXT 2025 Aftermovie
Classical:NEXT 2025 Closing Press Release
Classical:NEXT 2025 Innovation Award Recipient Photos
Classical:NEXT 2025 Photo Selection
Other Press Releases and Image Downloads
Please ensure all photos are credited as indicated in the file names, and include the wording “Classical:NEXT” in your captions. Thank you for your cooperation.
Contact
Further information, press enquiries and media partnerships: media@classicalnext.com
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