Meet-up
Finding the next format: how can print, digital and radio engage audiences in the digital era?
Join this targeted networking session for press and media featuring a panel discussion with leading voices from print, radio and digital publications on how classical music journalism can embrace new formats to engage audiences in the digital era.
Coordinated by Laszlo Harkanyi
Coordinated by Paul Bräuer
Coordinated by Paul Bräuer
with David Zsoldos, Cristina Comandasu, Benjamin Alber
May 14, 2025, 12:15
- 13:15
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Conference
A hyper-local approach to community place-making
INTERACTIVE PANEL | What better way to define the orchestra’s role in modern society, than to ask the community itself? The session highlights a hyperlocal approach to building community partnerships, exploring co-curating projects and the experience of genuinely embedding an orchestra in its community.
Chaired by David Burke
with Rachael Perrin, Campbell Parker
May 12, 2025, 17:00
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 2
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
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
Meet-up
Kick-start Classical:NEXT with inspiring connections
Kick off the conference with a warm and welcoming gathering! Join us at the bar in the Foyer after registration for an inspiring meet-up dedicated to women passionate about shaping the future of classical music and the performing arts.
Coordinated by Ashia Grzesik
May 12, 2025, 12:30
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Bar Foyer
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Conference
Live classical music builds listening skills beyond the concert hall
DISCUSSION & PRACTICE | Good listening is hard. Can music help? In this discussion, we draw on neuroscience, social history and mindfulness to explore the unique ways in which live classical music can deepen communication skills with benefits that reach beyond the concert hall.
Chaired by Dr. Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
with Lucilla Schmidinger, Dr. Hansjakob Ziemer
May 14, 2025, 11:45
- 12:45
Colosseum
, Kino 4
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 13, 2025, 15:30
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 6
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
Conference
Empowering Musicians: A Workshop on Mental Health and Systemic Change in the Classical Music Sector
WORKSHOP | How can we create systemic change to support musicians’ mental health? Join mental health experts as they present the ‘TUNE-IN’ framework, addressing challenges in the music sector. The workshop includes insights and strategies for mental health support / leadership training, and a call to action.
Chaired by Heather O’Donnell
with Angela Büche, Paul Roe
May 14, 2025, 14:30
- 15:45
Colosseum
, Kino 5
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
Conference
Official welcome to Classical:NEXT
Join us for the inaugural 2025 session in Berlin, where Fabienne Krause, Managing Director of Classical:NEXT, and Aliena Haig, Senior Communications Manager, welcoming you to the twelfth edition of Classical:NEXT together with Dr. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, a figure of forward-thinking prowess and leading advocate for music, the arts, accessibility and the development of musical talent.
Chaired by Dr. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
with Fabienne Krause, Aliena Haig
May 12, 2025, 14:00
- 14:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
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
Showcase
(UK/NZ)
NYX is a London-based collective of artists working at the intersection of choral music and electronic music performance. Led by music director Sian O’Gorman, their work explores connections between the body, architecture, and nature to create music that bridges the ancient and the futuristic.
Presenter: NYX
May 14, 2025, 13:00
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
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, 15:30
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Luna Bar
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
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
(Australia)
Jane Aubourg is a composer, violinist and zine maker based on Dhawaral Country (Wollongong, NSW Australia). In her major solo project she composes and performs on Anita Johnson’s sculpture Play Me Mend Me.
Presenter: Jane Aubourg
May 13, 2025, 15:30
- 16:00
Colosseum
, Kino 10
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
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
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
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
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
off C:N Presentation
Inside Artists creates new perspectives at Beethovenfest Bonn
How can the potential of artistic practice be utilised as a driving force for the development of cultural institutions?
Presenter: Prof. Dr. Martin Zierold
with Philipp Seliger, Dorothea Gregor, Franziska Ritter, Daniel Arkadij Gerzenberg
May 13, 2025, 15:15
- 16:15
Colosseum
, Kino 5
Project Pitch
Habūb (Writings of Sand and Water) is an immersive experience combining sound, live music, video mapping, and performance.
Presenter: Prof. Carmen Gil Vrolijk
May 12, 2025, 16:30
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Meet-up
Exploring East-meets-West Synergy through Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo
Hong Kong has long been fostering artistic exchange and innovation, its classical music scene a bridge that blends Eastern influences with Western traditions, creating groundbreaking works.
Coordinated by Leung Kin-fung
with Louis Siu
May 12, 2025, 17:15
- 18:00
Colosseum
, Kino 4
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
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
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
Navigating the challenge of public funding cuts
INTERACTIVE PANEL | With governments globally cutting funding for the arts, industry expert Mark Pemberton leads a session on navigating the challenge and forging solutions.
Chaired by Mark Pemberton
with Aurélie Foucher, Dr. Juliana Hodkinson
May 13, 2025, 14:15
- 15:15
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Opening Night
The vision string quartet is one of the most exciting ensembles in today’s music scene.
May 12, 2025, 19:00
- 23:00
KühlhausBerlin
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Conference
Insights from the new German Festival Study
INTERACTIVE PANEL | A 2025 government-funded study by the cooperation partners Initiative Musik with the Bundesstiftung LiveKultur and the German Music Information Centre provides a comprehensive cross-genre analysis of Germany’s music festival landscape.
Chaired by Stephan SchulmeistratChaired by Dorothee Kalbhenn
with Dorothea Heinze, Timo Varelmann, Vala Halldors, Sophie Detremmerie, Anselm Cybinski
May 13, 2025, 12:30
- 13:45
Colosseum
, Kino 3
Showcase
Tarozzi-Walker Duo (Italy)
A contemporary re-interpretation of female folksongs of northern Italy.
Presenter: Silvia Tarozzi Presenter: Deborah Walker
May 14, 2025, 12:00
- 12:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
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
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
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
Meet-up
Exploring New Horizons in Classical Music Performance
What will the classical concert of the future look like? How can we sustain and expand audiences while balancing tradition and innovation? A recent study by music festival Heidelberger Frühling and market research institute GIM provides key insights into audience preferences and the challenges of concert formats.
Coordinated by Sonia Simmenauer
Coordinated by Johannes Everke
Coordinated by Johannes Everke
with Floriane Schroetter, Simon Holst, Marlene Brüggen
May 12, 2025, 13:00
- 14:00
Colosseum
, Kino 4
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