Returning to Berlin once again, the largest gathering of international classical and art music professionals reveals the artists, innovators and creatives who are not only shaking up the industry, but taking to the stage from 12-15 May 2025. With a full programme from Monday morning to Thursday afternoon, Classical:NEXT presents sounds, ideas and projects from all over the world, offering new perspectives and glimpses into the future. 

NOTE: Classical:NEXT 2025 will begin with a full day of programming on Monday, 12 May, with the Opening Ceremony taking place Monday evening at Kühlhaus Berlin. The programme continues all day Tuesday and Wednesday, and concludes with a Boat Tour on Thursday, 15 May. Please see the Programme Overview for more. 

What you can expect to hear 

In a truly global display, 16 countries will be represented in this year’s selection of music showcases, including Italy, Australia, Indonesia, the UK, Ireland, Ukraine, Finland, Brazil, USA, Taiwan, Iceland, Hungary, Turkey, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Chosen by an independent jury, the Showcase Programme spans a wide variety of formats, styles and interpretations, from percussion duos and flute septets, to never-before-seen instruments, unexplored electronic soundscapes and even new approaches to traditional gamelan.

Best described by music curator, university lecturer and 2025 Classical:NEXT Jury Member Zsuzsanna Szálka, the Showcase Programme “focuses on participatory arts projects and space-specific performances that immerse audiences in unique environments.” 

The 2025 Showcase Artists are: 

• Anzû Quartet (USA) 
• Aris Daryono (Indonesia/UK) 
• Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain (UK/Ireland) 
• DZ’OB (Ukraine) 
• Jane Aubourg (Australia) 
• Kaan Bulak & Simon Höfele (Turkey/Germany) 
• Komuna Collective (UK) 
• Orest Smovzh (Ukraine/Finland) 
• Rafael Macedo (Brazil) 
• Roberto Maqueda (Switzerland/Spain) 
• Schubert NOW! (Hungary) 
• Silvia Tarozzi and Deborah Walker (Italy) 
• Twincussion Duo (Taiwan) 
• viibra (Iceland) 

The Faroe Islands will also be presenting their off C:N Showcase ‘The periphery in the center’, with saxophonist Kristina Thede Johansen and guitarist Ólavur Jakobsen from Ensemble Aldubáran. 

Discover the 2025 Showcases 

As in the 2024 edition, the performances will be held in three landmark locations across Berlin: the Colosseum in Prenzlauer Berg (Daytime Showcases), Säälchen (Evening Showcases) and the world renowned nightclub Kater Blau (Club Showcases). 

What you can expect to discover 

Classical:NEXT Project Pitches are targeted, fast-moving opportunities for creators and those on the lookout for new creations, a ‘seek and find’ for collaboration and inspiration. For 2025, the Project Pitches reveal a wide array of topics and formats, including games, multimedia song-cycles, immersive projects for children, motion manga opera, mobile phone orchestras and ambient lullabies. 

Discover the 2025 Project Pitches

Who you can expect to meet 

Classical:NEXT is first and foremost a prime opportunity to network: reunite with colleagues, make new connections and begin or even build on strategic partnerships. Classical:NEXT has revealed the 2025 Who’s Coming List, with hundreds of registered attendees and key players from live and recorded music, orchestras, ensembles, publishing, music education, concert halls, cultural institutions, technology and more. 

See Who’s Coming 

All registered delegates can already access their accounts and begin networking. Access to the online C:N Connect platform is available for one year to all delegates from the moment they register, ideal for planning meetings ahead of the event and for continual networking long after the event has finished. 

And for in-person networking, Classical:NEXT is also once again the epicenter of both regional and sector Meet-ups, with tailored gatherings for music centres, higher music education, festivals, the DIY sector and the Nordic region. Find out more. 

The Classical:NEXT 2025 Innovation Award 

Every year, the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award honours and celebrates three of the most forward-thinking projects shaking up the art music scene(s) around the world. As chosen and voted on by the Nominating Committee, the final Shortlist of ten projects displays a large variety of groundbreaking work. 

“In the 21st century, it is challenging to identify innovations; it appears as though we have already witnessed and experienced everything. However, it is tremendously wonderful to encounter creative initiatives that impress us with their extensive imagination and fresh perspective. Such initiatives usually become more than an ensemble, a festival or a project – they become a force that transforms their field. In my opinion, organisations such as these are vital in maintaining a healthy and vibrant music industry and culture.” 

– Rasa Murauskaitė-Juškienė (Lithuania), Senior Editor at LRT KLASIKA Radio and 2025 Nominating Committee member 

• The Classical:NEXT 2025 Innovation Award Shortlist includes:
• OPERA APERTA (Ukraine) 
• Breath Cycle (UK) 
• OPERAMANIJA (Lithuania) 
• The Augmented Orchestra (USA) 
• Clásica No Convencional (Chile) 
• Prison Yard Festival, Tai Kwun (Hong Kong, China, SAR) 
• Black Orchestral Network (USA) 
• Festival Divertimento (Mexico) 
• No Limits (Hong Kong, China, SAR) 
• SONORA Music (Poland) 

Voting now opens to all registered delegates for their say in who the three recipients of the Award will be. The Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at the Colosseum in Berlin. 

Explore the 2025 Shortlist 

Take Part in Classical:NEXT 2025 

Delegates have until 21 March 2025 to secure their Early Rate registration. 

Find out more and register at net.classicalnext.com