Your visit
Get to know our host city, Berlin.
Venues: Coloseum / Pierre Boulez Saal / Holzmarkt 25.
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city with a rich history and a dynamic spirit. Its reinventive nature, coupled with relatively affordable real estate and a libertarian atmosphere, has attracted creatives for decades, establishing it as a hotbed for visual arts, film, fashion, and music.
The city is renowned for classical music, earning the title “capital of classical music” by the NY Times. Home to the Berlin Philharmonics, numerous orchestras, three opera houses, and a vibrant off-scene for classical music, Berlin is also a hub for artist agencies, music startups, and record labels. The music scene ranges from classical to minimal techno and global music street parades, showcasing the city’s diverse artistic support both on and off stage.
When visiting for a classical music professionals’ meeting in May 2024, you’ll find abundant accommodation, dining options, and leisure activities. Discover more about Berlin at www.visitberlin.de.
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Locations & Venues
Pierre Boulez Saal
Opening (13 May)
The Pierre Boulez Saal, designed by Frank Gehry, opened on March 4, 2017, with a concert by Daniel Barenboim. The hall’s elliptical shape fosters a sense of unity between audience and artists, eliminating the separation between stage and auditorium. As the public face of the Barenboim-Said Akademie, it contributes significantly to Berlin’s cultural life with about 150 events per season.
The Hall presents a diverse range of music, blending classical, romantic, 20th-century, and contemporary pieces, including world premieres. The Boulez Ensemble, founded by Barenboim, embodies this musical diversity. The Hall also serves as a European home for Arab and Persian music, improvisation, jazz, and hosts lecture concerts, talks, and discussions.
Colosseum
Daytime Venue (14–17 May)
Prenzlauer Berg, near the city center, is renowned for Berlin’s post-reunification cultural explosion, making it a global hotspot.
The Colosseum cinema complex in the area is now a state-of-the-art event venue, blending 130-year-old brick walls with modern design. With ten halls for conferences, showcases, and project pitches, an 18-meter high Atrium, and triangular indoor balconies for expos and networking, it’s a diverse and inspiring setting for ClassicalNEXT – a professionals’ meeting on the future of classical music, eliminating endless walking for participants.
Holzmarkt 25
Nighttime Venue (14–17 May)
Holzmarkt 25, a unique urban development complex in Berlin, spans 12,000 square meters along the Spree. This “creative village” houses diverse artists, drawing over 500,000 annual visitors for concerts, theater, workshops, and festivals, embodying Berlin’s vibrant creative scene.
Classical:NEXT’s nighttime “showcase concerts” and “club showcases” will take place in Säälchen and Kater Blau.
The project’s origin is tied to Berlin’s post-Wall history, evolving from a subcultural temporary use project in 2012 into a leading global example of user-driven urban development. Holzmarkt 25 features various event locations, including the renowned “Kater Blau” nightclub, fostering a communal atmosphere among residents and global visitors.
FAQ
Where will it take place?
Classical:NEXT 2024 will take place in Berlin, Germany from 13-17 May 2024. The main daytime venue is Colosseum, evening showcases will be held at Holzmarkt 25. The opening ceremony will take place at Pierre Boulez Saal. The club showcases will be held at Kater Blau.
For more information, please see here.
How can I apply to take part as an artist/speaker?
Every Summer, Classical:NEXT launches an annual Call for Proposals for the showcase and conference programmes, inviting artists, presenters and speakers to apply to take part. Each year, our international, independent jury, review each proposal and from them select the official Classical:NEXT programme.
To be made aware when our next Call for Proposals is announced, sign up for our newsletter or keep an eye on this website or our social media.
How do I register?
The online registration for Classical:NEXT 2024 is open.
Register now for Classical:NEXT from 13-17 May 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
I'm a journalist – what are the requirements for press accreditation?
Journalists play a vital role in the dissemination of music and in keeping the important discourse on this art form alive. Classical:NEXT acknowledges this by offering a reduced rate to media professionals, subject to approval.
If you are a delegate who will attend Classical:NEXT first and foremost in your role as a journalist or as a professional involved in the editorial work of a music media company, you are invited to register for our special Media Rate. Simply complete the delegate registration as normal, and check the “media registration” box when you are entering your personal delegate data – about half way through the registration process – and send a copy of your press credentials to registration@classicalnext.com.
After confirmation from our communications department, you will be granted the discounted media rate registration price.
Press accreditation (including free delegate-level access) to Classical:NEXT 2024 is reserved for a limited number of journalists who report on Classical:NEXT or our showcase artists, subject to approval. Note that accredited journalists are not listed as delegates in the printed guide nor at the online database C:N NET. One accreditation per reporting media only. To apply for a free press accreditation please contact us via email at media@classicalnext.com.
Can I bring a spouse/partner/friend and/or can I buy a one-day entrance ticket?
Entrance to the Classical:NEXT Expo, Conference, Opening and Award Ceremony is reserved only for Classical:NEXT delegates who have registered for the full four-day event. One-day entrance tickets and partner rates are not available. All spouses/friends/partners must be fully registered themselves. All Classical:NEXT Showcases, however, with the exception of the Opening and Award Ceremony, are open to the general public. More programme and ticket purchasing details will be released shortly before Classical:NEXT.
Travel & Accommodation
Travel
& Accom-modation
Berlin
All travel information will be updated soon and be published here.
Berlin, Germany’s capital, renowned for its rich history and creative spirit, is a hub for the arts. With affordable real estate, a libertarian vibe, and openness to experimentation, it has drawn creatives for decades. The city excels in visual arts, film, fashion, and classical music – earning the title of the “capital of classical music.” From renowned orchestras to avant-garde classical music venues, Berlin also hosts leading artist agencies, music startups, and record labels.
Beyond classical music, Berlin thrives as a diverse music city, embracing everything from minimal techno to global music street parades. The city offers ample accommodation, dining, and leisure options, making it an ideal destination for the classical music professionals’ meeting in May 2024.
