Vibrant. Inventive. Collaborative.
These are just a few words that can describe Scotland’s classical scene, which thrives on experimentation and connection. We’re proud to represent the work of the sector at Classical:NEXT.
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Classical:NEXT is the world’s biggest contemporary classical showcase and expo. We’re working with the Scottish Music Centre to support and promote a group of Scotland-based artists, ensembles and producers attending the event.
This year Classical:NEXT takes place in Berlin from 13 to 17 May. The official programme includes a meet-up for DIY artists hosted by Matthew Whiteside and a project pitch from Red Note about Flock, their new work for young audiences.
We are offering bursary support to three composers to attend – Ben Lunn, Lisa Robertson, and Rūta Vitkauskaitė.
Find out more about these three composers and their work, and what their plans and ambitions are for Classical:NEXT.
Ben Lunn has forged himself a unique position within the new music landscape. As a composer, Lunn’s music reflects the material world around him, connecting to his North-Eastern heritage or how disability impacts the world around him or his working-class upbringing.
On attending the event, Ben says "Classical:NEXT is extremely valuable, because it is an opportunity to meet groups and expand what we do - and many of these interactions are surprising. I was fortunate to be presenting a talk in 2022, and it was such a positive experience I knew I had to come back."
Ben also shared his future plans, including a commission he's working on "for the incredible Welsh Bass-Baritone, Paul Carey Jones, and the Durham Miners' Association Brass Band. The piece will be premiered in February and marks the reopening of Redhills in Durham and also celebrates the centenary of fellow Northumbric William Martin."
"Alongside this, I'm scheming away on an opera - and finally, looking for partners on a project for voice and ensemble called 'Arl' which I'll want to talk to many people in Classical:NEXT about."
Lisa Robertson is a composer and violinist from the West Highlands of Scotland, particularly interested in examining human and environmental relationships and traditional Gaelic culture.
Rūta Vitkauskaitė is a composer working in concert music and beyond. Her scores have been awarded numerous prizes an part of her practice is collaborative and interdisciplinary projects: her opera for blind-folded audiences, Confessions (Spatial Opera Company), was awarded the Golden Stage Cross and toured across the EU with over 50 shows to date.
Find out more about all the Scottish delegates attending this year on the Scottish Music Centre’s website.
We hope that everyone attending makes valuable connections and finds new inspiration from sharing ideas with their peers from around the world.
Want to know more about classical music in Scotland?
Download our pack, read the curators’ introductions to their playlists, and explore the rich sounds of the scene.
