Classical:NEXT, de Doelen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 16 - 19 May 2018

First Classical:NEXT 2018 Conference Speakers Official
Know-how from print to video and from business to art

Rotterdam/Berlin: As the early bird registration deadline approaches (19 January), the global art music meeting Classical:NEXT has announced the first speakers and conference topics for its 2018 edition in May. Delegates will be presented a wide array of insights, tackling the role of print programmes, of engagement through video and of reconciling business and artistic demands better.

The jury has chosen! An international expert panel of seven has selected the most forward-thinking approaches from hundreds of proposals, offering solutions to the crucial issues of classical and art music today. Successful network formats and interactive workshops are to be continued. Although less than a third of the conference programme is announced, a trend is already recognizable: The 2018 programme of Classical:NEXT will go deeper into the specifics of topics - building skills and offering insights the expected 1,200+ delegates can take home and use in their everyday work. For 2018 speaker Dr. Stefan Rosu, artistic director & ceo  of the South Netherlands Philharmonic this couldn't be more important today:

"Concentrating on core-competencies and exploring new ways to collaborate are in my opinion the key factors to the long-term survival of the professional classical ensemble. Classical:NEXT is currently THE platform to discuss those issues."
 

Classical:NEXT takes place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 16–19 May 2018

Organisers Piranha Arts and de Doelen concert hall Rotterdam announced today the first ten speakers from nine different countries including Hannah Chan-Hartley (Canada), managing editor & musicologist at Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Louise Durette from the French cultural concept agency Alto, who commented:

"Exchanging insights and ideas, meeting professionals at Classical:NEXT breathes fresh life into each classical music year. It is very exciting and motivating."

The hands-on topics address how to bring together artistic commitments and business achievements in a sustainable way, which is not an easy thing to do in art music, neither live nor recorded. Further sessions show the role of the printed programme book and, how classical should and could use video more to reach new people. And one interactive workshop will provide a tool to discover how attractive your artistic project really is to your audience.

See all ten speakers below. Find an overview of all speakers and topics announced so far on the Classical:NEXT website.

More programme, including showcase artists and project pitches is to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Classical:NEXT 2018 in De Doelen Rotterdam is the right place to be if you want to make a next step into the world of classical music. Oorkaan is very proud to contribute to this important event with a conference session on classical music for young audiences, aiming to inspire the classical music practice in a broad sense."
Caecilia Thunnissen (The Netherlands), artistic director, Oorkaan

"I am very excited to return to Classical:NEXT and discuss how technology continues to transform the ways we connect with global audiences."
Oscar Swedrup (Sweden/UK), marketing & partnerships manager, 
Amphio
 

The speakers confirmed today in alphabetical order:

• Hannah Chan-Hartley (Canada), managing editor & musicologist, 
  Toronto Symphony Orchestra
• Louise Durette (France), director, Alto
• Jakub Fiebig (Poland), managing director, Julian Cochran Foundation 
• Adam Lejman (Poland), ceo, Altkom Software & Consulting
• Leonardo Martinelli (Brazil), composer and professor, São Paulo State University and Theatro Municipal de São Paulo
• Josep Molina (Spain), founder & ceo, Molina Visuals 
• Judit Plana (Spain/Germany), project igniter, Molina Visuals
• Dr. Stefan Rosu (Germany/The Netherlands), artistic director & ceo 
  South Netherlands Philharmonic
• Oscar Swedrup (Sweden/UK), marketing & partnerships manager, 
  Amphio
• Caecilia Thunnissen (The Netherlands), artistic director, Oorkaan

See the speakers and their topics online.

Background

To offer an exceptional programme, Classical:NEXT assembles a handpicked selection of artists, speakers and projects each year, chosen by a changing international jury from hundreds of proposals coming in from all sectors and all continents. Topics and sessions resonate in the classical music scene in the months and years after. 

Classical:NEXT 2017 was attended by 1200 professionals from all sectors of the industry and from more than 40 countries. Movers, shakers and everyday innovators from all sectors of the classical music business gather to share their knowledge and passion, while outstanding artists and projects showcase their talent live and in video presentations.

Photo credit

Louise Durette, Alto Solutions Artistiques 
Oscar Swedrup, Amphio