Music industry professionals from across the globe will gather in Berlin this May (12 to 15) for Classical:NEXT, the world’s largest international event for classical music professionals. Among them, the Scotland delegation is set to stand out in redefining what classical music means in the 21st century- offering a fresh, diverse and future-facing perspective on the global stage.
Classical next delegates L to R clockwise: Amble Skuse by Neil Jarvie, Catriona Price by Somhairle Macdonald, Alasdair Nicolson by Paul Foster Williams, Campbell Parker by Campbell Parker, Emily Granozio by Danielle Watt.
Scotland will be represented at the prestigious showcase and conference alongside around 1,400 professionals from 49 countries. At the heart of this year’s presence is a delegation that reflects the full breadth of Scotland’s musical talent: emerging and established composers, boundary-pushing sound artists, seasoned programmers and inclusive community leaders.
From concert halls to community spaces, the Scottish delegation embodies the rich diversity of contemporary practice, and the belief that classical music belongs everywhere, to everyone.
Each Scotland-based delegate brings a unique focus, background and perspective- highlighting how the country’s classical music scene is as varied as it is vital:
- Emily Granozio, cultural sector leader and founder of Gratia Arts, offers consultancy and project management for artists and institutions across the UK and beyond.
- Campbell Parker, General Manager of The Glasgow Barons, is part of the Govan-based organisation bringing classical music to unexpected spaces and diverse audiences.
- Amble Skuse, composer and sound artist, draws on disability theory, body-sensor technology, and spoken-word storytelling to craft immersive, boundary-breaking work.
- Alasdair Nicolson, a composer shaped by Gaelic music traditions of Skye and the Black Isle, blends heritage with contemporary voice across his wide-ranging output.
- Catriona Price, violinist, composer and artistic director, creates cross-genre works aimed at social change through cultural exchange and musical innovation.
This delegation reflects Scotland’s strength in diversity- from those working in community spaces to those making new strides in technology and composition. With artists at different stages of their careers, and all attending Classical:NEXT for the first time, the delegation offers a refreshing and powerful contribution to the international conversation.
Gill Maxwell, Executive Director of Scottish Music Centre said: “Classical:NEXT stands as a key global platform for Scotland’s thriving contemporary classical music scene. It brings together a broad spectrum of talent- from boundary-pushing composers and experimental artists, to the curators and festival programmers shaping our cultural calendar year-round. It’s also a hub for forging new international collaborations and partnerships. My team and I are excited to lead the Scotland delegation in Berlin, championing the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that define our dynamic music sector today.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Classical:NEXT offers an invaluable international stage for Scotland’s classical music community- from composers and performers to ensembles and sector leaders- to raise their profile and expand their reach. Global industry events like this are vital in building sustainable careers, opening up pathways to touring, festival appearances, recording contracts, and licensing opportunities. They not only showcase Scottish talent to the world but also create space for rich cultural exchange- bringing new ideas and world-class music back home to inspire audiences across Scotland.”
Background
The Scotland delegation at Classical:NEXT will be based at stand number 6.
The Scottish Music Centre works nationally and internationally to promote Scotland’s music. A membership organisation representing 150 composers, musicians and creative businesses, it also serves as a national hub and information point for all things Scottish music. The Centre also hosts an unparalleled archive of Scotland musical history form the 15th century to the present day and delivers a wide variety of services and events to musicians, organisations and the general public.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, which, now in its 30th year, has supported over 14,600 projects with more than £501.9 million in funding through Creative Scotland and its predecessor, the Scottish Arts Council. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Classical:NEXT is the most important classical music gathering in the world, unifying the global classical and art music scene, enabling it to work better together. The focus is on innovation, increasing relevance and effectiveness in both business and creative aspects of the industry. In addition, Classical:NEXT aims to push for positive change within the professional scene as well as society as a whole. www.classicalnext.com.
Media contact
Media Contact: Olivia Carr, Media Relations & PR Officer, Creative Scotland.