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
Navigating the challenge of public funding cuts
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
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
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
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
with David Zsoldos, Cristina Comandasu, Barbara Körner-Franck, Paul Bräuer
May 14, 2025, 12:15
- 13:15
Colosseum
, Kino 5
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
Rethinking the history of music through a global lens
Did you know music of composers like Hadyn 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
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
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
A hyper-local approach to community place-making
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 Claudia Clarkson
May 12, 2025, 16:45
- 17:45
Colosseum
, Kino 2
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
Conference
A Celebration of Black and Queer Voices Through Song and Vogue
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
Conference
How to make classical music meaningfully accessible for disabled people
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
(UK)
The Komuna Collective is a group of artists, DJs and musicians committed to experimentation.
Presenter: Komuna Collective
May 15, 2025, 00:15
- 00:45
Kater Blau
Showcase
(Indonesia)
Jessica & Saodor Ensemble is a collective music ensemble that explores the musical traditions of Batak Toba, one of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritages.
Presenter: Jessica & Saodor Ensemble
May 13, 2025, 21:00
- 21:30
Säälchen
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Solving the problem of the second performance
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
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
Reimagining musical participation for art music audiences
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
Conference
Breaking the Cycle of "We Should"
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
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
Conference
How artist management, labels and music conservatories collaborate
“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, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, Valerie Groß
May 13, 2025, 15:00
- 16:00
Colosseum
, Kino 2
Project Pitch
A sonic and visual feast for the senses
A Book of Hours is a meditation on the mystery of time and the ways we spend our days, combining a world of projected movement and a quirky live musical score.
Presenter: Tamara Kohler
May 14, 2025, 14:00
- 15:15
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
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
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
May 13, 2025, 12:15
- 13:15
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
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 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
Conference
How to succeed in your net zero journey in classical music
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
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
Conference
How Standing Out Creates a Storm of Impact
Dare to be different: this session turns authenticity into action and celebrates the power of not fitting in.
Chaired by Sandra Janke
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
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
Innovation Awards, Showcase
(Ukraine)
DZ’OB is an electro-acoustic ensemble led by Oleksii Badin, hailing from the Ukrainian city of Dnipro and established in 2014. The group fuses classical and contemporary electronic music genres such as IDM and techno creating a distinctive and eclectic sound. Their music seamlessly bridges the realms of Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Baroque classical traditions, resulting in a truly unique auditory experience.
Presenter: DZ’OB
May 14, 2025, 18:00
- 19:30
Colosseum
, Kino 10
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
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
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
Film Showcase
PNO (Prepared New Objects) is a contemporary music performance and experimental theater piece born from a sociological exploration and reflection on the piano.
Presenter: Kim Jaehoon
May 14, 2025, 12:00
- 13:30
Colosseum
, Kino 7
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
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
Artistic leadership of socially and musically diverse ensembles
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meet-up
Sharing insights, experiences and perspectives on exporting classical music
In an ever-evolving landscape—marked by rising protectionism, new market access regulations, and shifts in funding structures and cultural policies—classical and contemporary music professionals must continuously rethink their strategies to fulfil their missions and ensure long-term stability. International development is becoming increasingly significant and is now a key focus in today’s cultural and economic climate.
Coordinated by Giancarlo Staffetti
May 13, 2025, 16:00
- 17:00
Colosseum
, Kino 7
Conference
Prevention of harassment and violence in orchestras and concert hall
The growing concern and cases in orchestras about moral and sexual harassment and violence is one of the hottest subjects today in orchestras.
Chaired by Aline Sam-Giao
with Lisi Andrés, Benedikt Fohr
May 14, 2025, 16:30
- 17:30
Colosseum
, Kino 3
