IAM Vol 22 Issue 01

 

2026 Azrieli Music Prizes

Welcome to the January issue of International Arts Manager, the first of the year, which celebrates the 2026 Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) laureates.

For this issue, I sat down with each laureate and Dr Sharon Azrieli to uncover the stories, soundworlds and cultural histories behind their winning works, and to explore what it means to receive one of the Azrieli Music Prizes.

Elsewhere, we look ahead to the Avant Première Music + Media Market 2026, which returns to Berlin next month. The event brings together the international cultural broadcasting community for five days of screenings, conference sessions and networking, providing a vital annual meeting point for those working at the intersection of performing arts and media.

We also reflect on the success of APAP|NYC 2026, the final conference before the organisation marks its 70th anniversary in 2027. As APAP President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney emphasises, the year ahead will be shaped by a commitment to imagining an abundant future for the performing arts – one that expands the tent, invites new partners and rethinks how power, resources and impact are distributed across the sector. 

Also in this issue

News
Washington National Opera exits Kennedy Center
Southbank’s resident orchestras unite for Under-30s takeover
Donation strengthens partnership between San Diego Opera and Symphony
Renovation work begins at Grand Théâtre de Genève
Applications open for 2026 YCA International Auditions
Zach Altman launches new management agency
Bidding opens for UK City of Culture 2029
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

sideNotes: Auld Lang Syne

Avant Première Music + Media Market 2026 Preview

Looking back at APAP|NYC 2026

CINARS: Connected Voices:
Three mid-career producers share their perspectives on change in the performing arts

In conversation with the 2026 Azrieli Music Prizes laureates

Hijinx’s Director Ben Pettott-Wade reflects on the 10th anniversary tour of Meet Fred

Diary
Jasmin Kent Rodgman
A week with the composer and Co-Artistic Director of Manchester Collective