IAM Vol 22 Issue 08

 

IAM August 2026

Welcome to the August issue of International Arts Manager. This month, our cover feature celebrates the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra as it enters a season shaped by Yi, an organising idea that speaks both to grandeur without boundary and to roots that remain open rather than enclosed.

We head to Munich’s Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz to catch up with Artistic Director Josef E. Köpplinger, who discusses world premieres and why he would rather lead “the people’s opera” than chase elite status. Elsewhere, Thea Paraskevaides, Founder of Classical Unlocked, reflects on SXSW London, where classical music entered wider conversations around technology, AI, brands and the commercial music landscape. We also hear from Beth Morrison Projects, as applications open for its 2026 Producer Academy.

We preview the Communicating the Arts Ottawa–Gatineau edition (13–16 October 2026), from IAM’s new media partner, which brings cultural leaders together to examine how institutions can build connection and understanding across communities. A special offer for IAM readers is available at the end of the feature.

Also in this issue

News NSO faces deepening financial crisis Equity submits pay claim to support opera singers Hallé St Peter’s creates first UK venue digital twin Classical:NEXT seeks new host city from 2028 Apple Music Classical Ring guide LIU KOTOW and MünchenMusik join forces Speakers revealed for WOMEX 26 New report reveals the state of AI in the arts Upcoming events

Musical Chairs From promotions to retirement – who’s on the move?

Classical Music Signings Keep up to date with the latest industry news

Competitions and Awards sideNotes: Rail travel, orchestra tours and a double bass in legal limbo

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra: 50 years in the spirit of Yi, with a season of world records, new commissions and cross-border partnerships

Communicating the Arts 2026: Jillian Barker (Royal Ballet and Opera, England) and Guillemette Naessens (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, France) on giving younger audiences a seat at the table

ISPA: Global Voices:  In conversation with Robert Mulyarahardja (ARC Sudirman, Indonesia) and Saatvika Kantamneni (Akvarious Productions, India)

APAP: A View from Here: Lisa Richards Toney asks: is finding new audiences a betrayal of the mission, or the deepest belief in it?

CINARS: Connected Voices: Gilles Doré, Marie-Pia Bureau (ONDA) and Fabienne Loir (Association des Scènes nationales) on reinvention, collaboration and the future of French performing arts

Diary Edwin Huizinga A week with the violinist, Co-Founder of ACRONYM and Artistic Director of the Carmel Bach Festival Academy programme