Conference
Selected by an independent jury, the Conference is one of the key features of Classical:NEXT, offering a wide variety of useful and inspiring themes for all sectors.
Set up to keep delegates up-to-date with new developments and provide the right know-how to cope with current issues, the conference is also a place to find new partners.
It is comprised of the following formats: Conference Sessions, Meet-ups, Mentorings, and off C:N Presentations.
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2026 Conference Highlights
More updates coming soon.
The Fair Music Platform in the Classical Music Ecosystem
PANEL | Let’s explore how emerging streaming tech, from blockchain to smart contracts, can help creators gain control and build sustainable music careers.
Presented by
Davide Grosso, Italy/France, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, International Music Council
Davide Grosso, Italy/France, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, International Music Council
with
Samir Kabbouch, France, CEO, Kapela
Samir Kabbouch, France, CEO, Kapela
Reinventing the Opera House as Innovation, Technology, and Community
As emerging technologies reshape how we connect, how can opera houses unlock new means of presence and performance?
Presented by
Claudio Rimmele, Germany, Creative Director & Curator, Observism
Claudio Rimmele, Germany, Creative Director & Curator, Observism
with
Victoria Dietrich, Germany/Switzerland, Digital Development and Audience Engagement, Opernhaus Zürich
Victoria Dietrich, Germany/Switzerland, Digital Development and Audience Engagement, Opernhaus Zürich
East Asian and Western Paradigms of Classical Music Creativity
PANEL | By bringing East Asian and Western perspectives into dialogue, this session rethinks how cultural context, identity and creative logics shape classical innovation.
Presented by
Weida Wang, United Kingdom/China, Independent music industry scholar & creative producer, Independent
Weida Wang, United Kingdom/China, Independent music industry scholar & creative producer, Independent
A path to mental & physical wellbeing in the performing arts
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP | This workshop explores the critical and often overlooked topic of mental health awareness in the performing arts.
Presented by
Pallavi Mahidhara, United States/Spain, Concert Pianist, Educator, Podcast Host, Freelance
Pallavi Mahidhara, United States/Spain, Concert Pianist, Educator, Podcast Host, Freelance
Exploring the Overlap of Visual Arts and Classical Music
PANEL | The Canvas of Sound examines how visual arts and classical music intersect to shape new artistic languages.
Presented by
Tobias De Pessemier, Belgium, International Relations & Visibility Coordinator, Platform 0090
Tobias De Pessemier, Belgium, International Relations & Visibility Coordinator, Platform 0090
with
Karl Van Welden, Belgium, Transdisciplinary artist, Studio Karl Van Welden
Kirsty Harris, United Kingdom, Classical Programmer, Barbican Arts Centre
Karl Van Welden, Belgium, Transdisciplinary artist, Studio Karl Van Welden
Kirsty Harris, United Kingdom, Classical Programmer, Barbican Arts Centre
Towards a Curatorial Theory of the Classical Concert
PANEL | We urgently need new concert formats. This panel proposes curatorial tools based on real experiences to rethink and revitalize the concert life of today.
Presented by
Miguel Ángel Marín, Spain, Head of Music Department, Fundación Juan March
Miguel Ángel Marín, Spain, Head of Music Department, Fundación Juan March
with
Joanne Karcheva, Bulgaria/United Kingdom, Brand and Communications Director, Manchester Collective
Joanne Karcheva, Bulgaria/United Kingdom, Brand and Communications Director, Manchester Collective
How Can the Music Industry Play an Active Role in the Green Transformation?
PANEL | As technology and culture converge, sustainability intersects these shifts in complex ways. This roundtable on classical music and sustainability discusses the potential of our genre in sustainable transformation.
Presented by
Endre Papp, Hungary, Sustainability Communications Consultant, ReStageGroup
Endre Papp, Hungary, Sustainability Communications Consultant, ReStageGroup
with
Natália Oszkó-Jakab, Hungary, Director, Valley of Arts Festival / Hungarian Tourism Program Foundation
Natália Oszkó-Jakab, Hungary, Director, Valley of Arts Festival / Hungarian Tourism Program Foundation
Tech and Its Creative Possibilities for Orchestral Music-Making
PANEL | What creative possibilities can new technology provide when looking at inclusion and accessibility in cutting edge orchestral music-making?
Presented by
Helen Edwards, United Kingdom, Senior Producer (Artist Development), Paraorchestra
Helen Edwards, United Kingdom, Senior Producer (Artist Development), Paraorchestra
with
Siobhan Clough, United Kingdom, Assistant Music Director, Paraorchestra
Liza Bec, United Kingdom, Creative Director, BMV Records
Sally Currie, United Kingdom, Interim CEO, Drake Music
Siobhan Clough, United Kingdom, Assistant Music Director, Paraorchestra
Liza Bec, United Kingdom, Creative Director, BMV Records
Sally Currie, United Kingdom, Interim CEO, Drake Music
Shared Values across Cultures in Youth Orchestras
PANEL | Youth Orchestra organisations FOJI (Chile) and MYO (Australia) work in different cultural and geographical contexts, yet both share a deep commitment to expanding access, fostering inclusion, and strengthening youth music learning communities without compromising artistic excellence.
Presented by
Dorian Jones, Australia, CEO, Melbourne Youth Orchestras
Dorian Jones, Australia, CEO, Melbourne Youth Orchestras
with
Camila Roa, Chile, Head of Management and Institutional Development, National Youth and Children Orchestras Foundation of Chile (FOJI)
Camila Roa, Chile, Head of Management and Institutional Development, National Youth and Children Orchestras Foundation of Chile (FOJI)
Protecting Critical Thought in a Post-Truth World
FISHBOWL | How do we keep specialist voices thriving in a world dominated by clicks, algorithms, and AI? Or are we pouring too much of our resources into social media giants, without realising the consequences?
Presented by
Olivia Brown, United Kingdom, PR Consultant, Stay Tuned
Olivia Brown, United Kingdom, PR Consultant, Stay Tuned
Curating Music in Museums
PANEL | Music cannot be hung on a wall — exhibiting it means addressing its intangible nature. How can museums transform music into spatial and experiential encounters that engage audiences beyond listening?
Presented by
Zsuzsanna Szálka, Hungary, Curator, House of Music Hungary
Zsuzsanna Szálka, Hungary, Curator, House of Music Hungary
with
Simon Posch, Austria, Managing Director, Haus der Musik Museum GmbH
Márton Horn, Hungary, Director, House of Music Hungary
Jade Bouchemit, France, Deputy Director, Musée de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
Simon Posch, Austria, Managing Director, Haus der Musik Museum GmbH
Márton Horn, Hungary, Director, House of Music Hungary
Jade Bouchemit, France, Deputy Director, Musée de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
If No One Expects You to Follow the Rules, what Can You Do Differently?
PANEL | A collective reflection on outsiders* as agents of change. *All definitions of outsider are welcome.
Presented by
Fanny Martin, France/Croatia, Executive Director, Music Biennale Zagreb
Fanny Martin, France/Croatia, Executive Director, Music Biennale Zagreb
with
Fiona Stevens, United Kingdom/Switzerland, Executive Director, Basel Sinfonietta
Fiona Stevens, United Kingdom/Switzerland, Executive Director, Basel Sinfonietta
Formats explained
What is a Conference Session?
The Classical:NEXT Conference is all about connecting and engaging. The jury-selected conference sessions are at its heart, featuring interactive formats such as mini-workshops, group discussions and lively debates, along with presentations and panels.
What is a Meet-up?
A meet-up is a semi-formal gathering designed to help participants form new alliances and deepen existing relationships. It provides a platform for established and emerging international networks to get together, brainstorm, develop ideas and connect with potential members or partners.
What is a Mentoring Session?
Ask all your burning questions, exchange ideas and get practical tips from our jury-selected mentors. Choose between one-to-one 20-minute sessions or join a small group for a 60-minute Roundtable session.
What is an off C:N Presentation?
Besides the jury-selected Conference programme our off C:N Presentations offer delegates an additional space to present their projects, products or services. To learn more, contact us at conference@classicalnext.com.