From 5 to 7 June 2024, over 100 representatives from more than 20 European countries came together at Toplocentrala Centre for Contemporary Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria for the 12th edition of the European Forum on Music (EFM) with the theme “Equity in Music” carried out in collaboration with the Bulgarian Music Association.
“Is it fair to say music is a universal language?” Was the question posed by keynote speaker Golnar Shahyar at this year’s European Forum on Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. Her answer was no – but that the universality of music takes different forms.
This idea echoed throughout the 3-day conference. Whilst the term “equity” can be understood in many ways, with the most common understanding being in relation to fairness and a situation in which everyone is treated equally, is this truly a reality when we look at the European music sector? Is diversity truly reflected in every aspect of music, from activities to market access and involvement?
With a topic as broad as “Equity in Music”, it was important for the EFM to embrace a forward-thinking approach, exemplified by presenting the theme through a variety of lenses.
The first focus was put on geographical imbalances introduced by a study presented by Ruth Koleva which analysed the under-representation of Balkan artists at major European showcase festivals. Conversations continued with a panel discussing the representation of diverse European music across the continent and the connected challenges like logistics, financial support, media coverage and having to deal with stereotypes. Panellists Mariana Bondarenko (Ukrainian Institute), Mila Georgieva (Bulgarian Music Association), Carlos Martins (Sons da Lusofonia), Tomas Van Respaille (BOZAR), and Bulgarian Cultural Minister, Nayden Todorov emphasised the importance of overcoming geographical imbalances for a truly diverse music ecosystem. Shrugging the shoulders as an answer why artists from a certain region are not programmed cannot be an answer for continuous neglect.
The panel on working conditions was opened with a presentation of Heidemarie Meissnitzer on the OMC report on the status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative professionals. Eva-Maria Bauer (Austrian Music Council) presented examples from the fair pay process in Austria and Benoît Machuel (International Federation of Musicians) highlighted the important role of trade unions and collective bargaining while moderator Silja Fischer (International Music Council) provided an overview of the current debate at EU level.
The intersection of Equity and the Live Music sector was also emphasised and the critical role of live music venues in promoting equity and inclusivity within the music sector truly took the stage. Speakers Robbe Van Bogaert (Eventsure / City of Antwerp), Stéphane Amiel (Les femmes s’en mêlent), Lorenzo De Angelis (All Areas Access) and Katharin Ahrend, (Clubcommission Berlin) shared their experiences with community involvement, inclusive programming, mental health and accessibility initiatives, and gender equality projects. Despite challenges like fragile support systems, the panel underscored the potential of live music venues to drive positive change and foster a more inclusive music sector in Europe.
The impact of modern society on music’s universal values was also discussed, questioning if music has become merely a product of the experience economy, slowly but surely displacing active music making. Speakers involved in various avenues of music education including Niels Græsholm (International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) / European Music Council), Finn Schumacker (Association Européenne des Conservatoires Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC), Martha Lomelí (Jeunesses Musicales International), Mimi Harmer (cellist/ EMC Fellow), highlighted the need for all children to participate in music performance and creation to bring people together, to expand our space for reflection, and to strengthen our human values.
This conversation continued, through a different lens, in the panel on equity in music streaming where experts including Sandra Tinner (Swiss Music Council), Helienne Lindvall (European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), Ruth Koleva (Association of Independent Music Publishers and Producers Bulgaria) and Burak Özgen (GESAC – The European Authors’ Societies), questioned current streaming models but equally questioned already widely presented alternatives, showing that while the user centric model is already a good start, it is not the answer to all problems when it comes to fair recognition and remuneration for all works (as proclaimed in IMC Music Right No. 5). Ultimately the panellists underlined the artistic value of music rather than viewing it as content.
The EFM also embraced some interactive formats, including workshops facilitated by EMC members European Choral Association and the Center for Music Ecosystems and a World Café with key inputs on highlighted topics including Freedom of expression, Emerging professionals, Gender and Additional needs.
The musical programme, curated by local partner Bulgarian Music Association, was a true celebration of diversity. EFM participants were treated to music from UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage choir, Bistritsa Babi, and the magical melodies of Beleva & Hadjigrudev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra and The Academic Folk Choir and Academic Folk Orchestra of the National Academy of Music. The best of Sofia’s Jazz, Funk and Soul scene was also present with performances from YoYo Band and T.E.F.T. – The Essential Funk Trombone whilst Clavexperience and Human Power brought an electric element to the conference and helped close the EFM with some dancing at the Farewell party in the Sofia Live Club.
The EFM 2024 in Sofia exemplified how music can be universal in its different forms echoing the keynote address by Golnar Shayhyar: “In the end, I want to say that I do believe music is universal. But as a medicine. As a tool of healing. Once we allow that quality of music to embrace us, it does not matter in which language we sing, with which tool we play, in which space we share, in which clothes, with which individuals. That quality has the power to transform. Even if it is for a moment. Yet it creates a vision that makes us remember, ‘Ah! Something else is also possible.’ And that is magic.”
Overall, the EFM proved to be the perfect occasion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the International Music Council and highlight the IMC’s 5 Music Rights.
The EFM took place under the patronage of the Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, who also spoke at the opening of the EFM. It was supported by the City of Sofia as well as the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture. The EMC is supported by the European Union, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media of Germany as well as the City of Bonn.
The EMC will make recordings of the EFM panel discussions available in the coming days.