Classical: NEXT

Classical:NEXT is the global networking and exchange hub dedicated exclusively to classical and art music, for all professionals – artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, press, media, publishers and more – consisting of an interactive conference, project pitches, showcase concerts, expo, innovation award and networking.

In 2026, Sounds Australia and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) will be coordinating the Australian activity at Classical:NEXT, taking place for the first time in Budapest, Hungary. Come and meet the Australians at Stand 52 in Millenáris from Wednesday 8 April between 11:00 and 18:00, and Thursday 9 April – Friday 10 April between 10:00 and 18:00.

We will be hosting a networking reception at Stand 52 on Thursday 9 April from 16:30 – 17:30, supported by The Australian Embassy, Hungary.

Listen to a playlist of Australian classical and art music curated by Chloé Charody

Official Event Website

You can see the Australian delegates at the following events:

PANEL
What: Expanding Access to Deepen Excellence: Shared Values across Cultures in Youth Orchestras
Who: Dorian Jones
When: Thursday 9 April, 13:45 – 14:45
Where: Conference 4 (D) Millenáris
https://classicalnext.com/event/expanding-access-to-deepen-excellence/

PANEL
What: Beyond Representation: Global Perspectives on Cultural Representation and Inclusion
Who: Catherine Haridy
When: Thursday 9 April, 17:00 – 18:00
Where: Conference 1 (E) Millenáris
https://classicalnext.com/event/beyond-representation/

PITCH
What: Stories of Water and Earth
Who: Claire Edwardes
When: Thursday 9 April, 14:00 – 15:15
Where: Cinema (D) Millenáris
https://classicalnext.com/event/stories-of-water-and-earth/

PITCH
What: The Piano: Hook, Line & Tinker
Who: Rae Howell
When: Thursday 9 April, 14:00 – 15:15
Where: Cinema (D) Millenáris
https://classicalnext.com/event/the-piano-hook-line-tinker/

PANEL & MEET UP 
What: Regional Meet-Up Asia-Pacific Navigating the Asia-Pacific Music Landscape
Who: Larry Heath (Moderator), Xani Kolac (Panelist)
When: Friday 10 April, 15:30 – 16:30
Where: Conference 3 (E) Millenáris
https://classicalnext.com/event/regional-meet-up-asia-pacific/

SHOWCASE
What: LIMBO Sonata
Who: Chloé Charody and Sonja Schebeck
When: Friday 10 April, 20:30 – 21:00
Where: Concert Hall, Budapest Music Center
https://classicalnext.com/event/chloe-charody-creations-limbo-sonata/