Classical:NEXT has begun fleshing out its programme for 2019, revealing showcase artists as well as the longlist for its Innovation Award. While there is no overall theme, this year’s event will look at those underrepresented in the industry.
The conference begins on 15 May with an opening performance curated by New York venue National Sawdust. Put together by artistic director Paola Prestini, the programme includes cellist Amanda Gooken performing her new feminist work Forward Music Project and award-winning Irish composer Emma O’Halloran.
For the main showcase itself, confirmed acts include Ensemble Offspring (Australia), The Hermes Experiment (UK), Clarinet Factory (Czech Republic) and Asko | Schönberg Ensemble (the Netherlands). Spark – The Classical Band (Germany) will perform the closing showcase.
As for the Innovation Award, this year’s edition will celebrate women-led efforts in honour of composer Clara Schumann’s 200th birthday (and, of course, C:N itself is led by a strong female team). The longlist features 35 projects from 29 countries, including work by Esmé Quartet (South Korea), Martha de Francisco (Canada), Lydia Rilling (Luxembourg) and Patricia Martínez (Argentina).
Classical:NEXT runs from 15-18 May at De Doelen in Rotterdam.