The World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) will host its 2025 General Assembly in Harbin, China, from 25 to 29 June 2025, bringing together directors of the world’s leading international music competitions, artist managers and cultural policymakers.
This year’s edition features a two-day International Forum for Marketing and Communications, open to the public, offering insights into the evolving classical music landscape in China, Asia and beyond. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and digital transformation, the conference will explore how music can foster cross-border dialogue, engage new audiences and adapt to technological change.
Harbin, a city of 10 million people with a unique Chinese and European heritage, provides a symbolic setting for these discussions. Founded in 1898 as a railway settlement, Harbin has long been a cultural crossroads, blending a multitude of European and Asian influences. Today, it is a thriving arts hub, home to China’s oldest Symphony Orchestra, a futuristic opera house, and a vibrant classical music scene. With its famous Ice and Snow Festival in winter and the Harbin Summer Music Festival, it is also a major tourist destination. By hosting the WFIMC, the city reinforces its role as a bridge between East and West—a theme that will resonate throughout the conference.
One of the central topics of the conference is “Dialogue Across Borders: The Role of Cultural Diplomacy Amid Geopolitical Challenges”. With rising global tensions, music has become an increasingly important tool for soft power and international exchange. Speakers Michael Haefliger (Executive and Artistic Director, Lucerne Festival) and Douglas Gautier (Chairman, AAPPAC and CEO and Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre) will discuss how music competitions, festivals and educational exchanges can serve as neutral platforms for dialogue and mutual understanding.
As Asian conservatories and music schools gain global recognition, Changyong Liao (President, Shanghai Conservatory of Music) will discuss teaching methodologies, cross-cultural exchanges and the role of technology in
music education.
The forum will also tackle technology’s impact on the industry. Till Janczukowicz (Founder, IDAGIO) will discuss how digital platforms can sustain classical music in an era dominated by pop culture. Meanwhile, Victoria Tafferner (Berlin Phil Media) will share strategies from one of the world’s most innovative orchestras on engaging global audiences through digital content.
For more information and to register, visit wfimc.org
