2025 Classical:NEXT

Welcome to the April issue of International Arts Manager.

This month, our cover feature celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Filarmonica Toscanini as the orchestra looks to the future with the appointment of Kent Nagano as Principal Artistic Partner from the 2025–26 season.

We also spotlight the opera Sensorium Ex, a deeply immersive, multi-sensory experience that synthesises artificial intelligence, disability and the arts.

Elsewhere in this issue, we preview Classical:NEXT, the largest international gathering dedicated to classical and art music, which returns to Berlin this May for its 12th edition.

News

• Wigmore Hall withdraws from ACE funding
• UK orchestral musicians in plea to government for royalties
• Lyric Opera of Chicago receives $25 million gift
• Harbin to host WFIMC General Assembly
• Opportunities and upcoming events

Musical Chairs

• From promotions to retirement – find out who’s on the move

Classical Music Signings

• Keep up to date with the latest industry news

Competitions and Awards

• Competitions and Awards news
• sideNotes: An unforgettable performance of Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs

Introducing… Zlatomir Fung

Filarmonica Toscanini at 50:

Classical:NEXT Preview

Rebel in the Arts

• Grace Okereke on the benefit of hindsight, and why we keep ignoring it

Sensorium Ex: 

• Rewriting the rules of voice, access and art

American Piano Awards:

• Monica J. Felkel shares what she’s looking for in an artist at the American Piano Awards

Diary: Harriet Orbell

• A week with the Marketing Manager for Aurora Orchestra