Classical:NEXT, the leading international gathering for the classical music sector and its emerging forms, will be held in Katowice – a UNESCO City of Music – in 2027. The city will host the event from 11–14 May 2027 as part of the Polish Capital of Culture programme Katowice Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia.
More than 1,500 music professionals from 54 countries attended last year’s edition, making it the largest in the event’s history. The programme featured over 30 sessions across four days, alongside showcases and an exhibition with more than 50 exhibitors.
Previous editions have been hosted in leading European music hubs such as Berlin, Budapest, Hanover, Rotterdam, Vienna and Munich.
“We are delighted that, after 15 years, Classical:NEXT will be held in Poland for the first time. Poland is attracting growing attention from the international music community thanks to its innovation and dynamic development. We look forward to meeting in Katowice, a city with a well-established reputation as a major music centre,” said Fabienne Krause, Director of Classical:NEXT.
Katowice, the heart of the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia with a population of over two million, has held UNESCO Creative City of Music status for more than a decade. It is recognised as one of the most important music centres in Poland and Central Europe.
“Our city has many musical strengths, but classical music sets us apart in particular. We are home to outstanding orchestras and ensembles. We also boast the finest concert hall in Poland and this part of Europe – the home of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice nurtures young talent. It is a great honour for Katowice and the GZM to host Classical:NEXT 2027,” said Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice.
The Classical:NEXT programme includes an interactive conference, project presentations, showcase concerts, film screenings, a trade exhibition, the annual innovation award for outstanding musical initiatives, and numerous networking events.
The event is open to professionals from across the music sector, including artists, managers, concert and festival organisers, orchestras, record labels, educators, media representatives, publishers and other industry specialists, as well as students and those pursuing careers in classical music. Evening concerts within Classical:NEXT Katowice will also be open to the public.
“Classical:NEXT will invite guests from around the world to the city’s key music venues, where history and modernity come together to tell a new story of transformation and creativity,” said Łukasz Kałębasiak, Director of Katowice Miasto Ogrodów, the cultural institution hosting the event.
The official opening of Classical:NEXT 2027 is planned at the headquarters of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), one of Europe’s most recognisable concert halls. The exhibition and conference sessions will take place at the International Congress Centre (MCK), while evening showcase concerts will be held at Katowice Miasto Ogrodów, creating a multi-layered artistic programme spanning the city’s key cultural venues.
Source: press release
