“We don’t ever want to discriminate and we have seen in the media that this is leading to some discrimination and racism. We’ve made a very conscious decision not to add to that”
The director of Classical:NEXT has released a statement (see in full below) to ease concerns that the international music gathering may not go ahead because of COVID-19. Speaking exclusively to IAM earlier this week, director Jennifer Dautermann was keen to stress the united front Classical:NEXT not only aims to promote, but to follow, especially in regards to the Asian content on its programme.
Explained Dautermann: “Because COVID-19 is spreading, by the time the conference in May comes around it is not going to be confined to any one region or country. This is why when our partners, networks and multipliers are asking ‘will you limit the countries from which people can come?’ we say no.
“We don’t ever want to discriminate and we have seen in the media that this is leading to some discrimination and racism. We’ve made a very conscious decision not to add to that. We all, the human race on this planet, need to deal rationally with this situation and we hope that in the coming weeks that rationality will increasingly prevail”
“Another message that I want to give is that we stand with our Asian partners and our programme contributors, especially Hong Kong who is a major partner at Classical:NEXT this year. Hong Kong has an incredible arts scene but has had a very difficult phase since February 2019. We stand with them and we support them, while also at the same time taking consideration of the health and well-being of our global community.
The full statement is reproduced here:
Dear Delegates,
We understand that several in our community are concerned with the spread of COVID-19. These are unprecedented circumstances and we are staying up to date with all developments.
We want you to know that we remain dedicated to realising the art music scene’s global gathering.
Currently, we have every intention of making Classical:NEXT 2020 happen in May. We have no plans to postpone the event.
Classical:NEXT prioritises the health, safety and care of its delegates and we will be taking all precautionary measures into account, with particular attention to sanitary measures, in accordance with global health authorities.
We will act according to the official line of authorities, including that if deemed necessary by authorities and governmental agencies, we will limit the capacity of the event. This means that the number of registered delegates allowed to attend will be capped on a first-come, first-served basis.
We will remain informed and will make announcements accordingly.
We are deeply thankful to our partners, delegates and exhibitors who continue to engage with our global community project by registering and contributing to the programme content. It is you, after all, who make the event possible to begin with and your support means we can continue to move forward.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Rotterdam in May.
With all healthy wishes,
Your Classical:NEXT team.
