The World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), in a landmark cooperation with Arts Council Korea (ARKO), has announced “Beyond the Stage: A Seminar for the Next Generation of Artists”. This exclusive professional forum will take place at the Daehakro Artist House and Korean National Open University in Seoul from 5 to 6 December 2025.
Designed as an immersive deep dive into building a sustainable career in music, the forum moves “beyond the stage” to address the critical needs of today’s young musicians. The event will gather competition winners, outstanding students and faculty, connecting them with an unparalleled roster of international music leaders. Confirmed speakers include Michael Haefliger (outgoing CEO, Lucerne Festival), Jacques Marquis (CEO, The Cliburn), Shannen Liu-Kotow (Artist Agent, LiuKotow) and Ann Paulin Steigerwald (Head of Artistic Planning, Vienna Konzerthaus), among other distinguished directors, managers and institutional leaders.
Through a dynamic programme of presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions, “Beyond the Stage” will explore the essential pillars of a young artist’s journey. Key topics include mastering competitions, strategic career planning, building professional know-how in marketing and contracts, creative programming and new performance formats, and launching a career with agencies and orchestras. The event will also feature artist showcases and talks, including a performance by the Arete Quartet.The forum will begin with a signing ceremony formalising a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ARKO and WFIMC, underscoring the shared commitment to artist development.
“This forum is the first of its kind, but we are already planning a second edition for June 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania” said Florian Riem, Secretary General of the WFIMC. “”Beyond the Stage’ is more than a conference; it is a vital bridge from the competition stage to the concert hall, opening doors and offering tangible career support for the next generation.”
