Opening

A coalition of French associations, networks and partners around the Bureau Export and Business France increased their engagement offering connections and insights into the French art music scene(s). They were the hosts of the opening evening under the title 'What the France?!'

The opening displayed the strengths and the specificities of music 'made in France' with live performances of renowned French artists and talent as well as with video works, ignite talks and a proper French style for the networking part of the evening including food and drinks.

Moderated by:
Saskia de Ville of France Musique

Opening Speakers:
Philippe Lalliot (French Embassy in the Netherlands)
Marc Thonon (Le Bureau Export)
Eric Tanguy (composer)
Pauline Lambert (Les Talens Lyriques)

The Opening Ceremony of Classical:NEXT not only signaled the beginning of the global music meeting for another year, but it also brings this spirit directly to the stage, underlining its intercontinental and innovative perspective.

Amongst international art music professionals the French scene is often perceived as especially hard to access. Classical:NEXT 2018 asked how true this prejudice actually is. French world class artists kicked off Classical:NEXT 2018 with a 'What The France!?' opening concert while high profile speakers from e.g. IRCAM, and the Philharmonie de Paris spoke at the following four days of international conferences.

The aim of this focus, which included a strong presence of French companies at the Classical:NEXT trade fair, was to paint a broad picture of the current state of classical music in France, and help the more than 1,300 expected delegates from 48 countries to better understand and access the French music scene better.