In the span of just three and a half days, Classical:NEXT will unite the global classical and art music scene, bringing together boundary pushing artists, leading innovators and visionary speakers to present groundbreaking ideas and set the tone for the industry. For the first time, the Hungarian Music Council has its own stand, and represents the Hungarian classical and contemporary music scene.

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From 12-15 May 2025, more than 220 speakers, mentors, presenters, coordinators, and artists, with of course the entire international delegation from over 40 countries will fill multiple venues across Berlin, from the Colosseum during the day to Säälchen and Kater Blau at Holzmarkt in the evenings.

A highlight for 2025 is the interactive Opening Night at KühlhausBerlin, featuring 12 artists and ensembles for an evening of immersive and cross-genre performances. Classical:NEXT will also proudly present Film Showcases, engaging an entirely new medium of art music, as well as giving a stage to a new sector of the ecosystem.

For the first time, the Hungarian Music Council will have its own stand at this year’s event: the umbrella organisation will be the only Hungarian exhibitor representing the participants of the Hungarian classical and contemporary music scene. Papageno, the Hungarian member of the ICMA, is now an official media partner, and it will also be represented in the conference programme.

Conference sessions; daytime, evening and club showcases; mentoring sessions; meet-ups; film showcases; a Berlin-focused collaboration; an Expo; an Opening Night; an Innovation Award and a grand finale on a boat on the Spree – filled to the brim with engaging content, performances, formats, ideas and innovations, Classical:NEXT will once again become the epicenter of the classical and art music industry.

Classical:NEXT 2025 will begin with a full day of programming in the Colosseum at midday on Monday, 12 May and there is a very special guest joining this year. To welcome delegates to the twelfth edition of Classical:NEXT is none other than Dr. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, a figure of forward-thinking prowess and leading advocate for music, the arts, accessibility and the development of musical talent.

On Monday, 12 May 2025, Classical:NEXT will present its Opening Night at Kühlhaus Berlin, a five-story cultural landmark in the middle of the capital city. The Opening Night offers an invitation for delegates to come together through music and share in a collective gesture of unity.

Classical:NEXT will be featuring a brand new format that introduces Film Showcases as part of its programme. Recognising the value and importance of visual media in shaping the future of classical and art music, the showcases highlight how filmmakers, composers, and performers are collaborating to reach audiences in innovative ways.

At the heart of Classical:NEXT lies not only innovation, but a deep commitment to collaboration. In this spirit, Classical:NEXT announces a new collaboration with Berlin-based organisations WISE, XJAZZ and the Berlin Music Commission (BMC) in a force-joining display of support for boundary-pushing artists, music and formats, as well as the local music and cultural sector.

Each year, Classical:NEXT offers young outstanding talents at the start of their careers the opportunity to get together with ‘Insiders’ from the global community and gather key insights into the industry that only in-person experiences can provide. In 2025, Classical:NEXT is proud to be partnering with seven institutions and welcome 15 fellows to the event.

Classical:NEXT is the global networking and exchange hub dedicated exclusively to classical and art music, for all professionals – artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, press, media, publishers and more. Classical:NEXT consists of an interactive conference, project pitches, showcase concerts, film showcases, expo, innovation award and networking.

The full programme is available here.