The 2018 edition of Classical:Next will take place in de Doelen concert hall and congress centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Online registration for Classical:NEXT is open as of now, including stand bookings for the expo, which have sold out in past editions. Classical and art music professionals from all areas, styles and sectors are gathering annually at Classical:NEXT.

The European Festivals Association (EFA) will engage actively in the Classical:NEXT programme by hosting a 'Structured Networking' format, inviting Classical:NEXT delegates to exchange fruitfully with key presenters from all around Europe. A further network meeting for festivals is planned.

The opening event will be hosted by France in Rotterdam's de Doelen concert hall on 16 May 2018, with a coalition of French associations, networks and partners presenting a global vision of the French music scene of today.

In addition to the French opening, the Naxos Music Group announced to move their annual distributors and labels meeting to Rotterdam and the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth are confirmed for the seventh edition's showcase programme performing at the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award and closing ceremony.

Director Jennifer Dautermann is enthusiastic about the first programme confirmations:

"From the start, our aim with Classical:NEXT has been to be event where the art music scene comes together: all countries, all sectors, all approaches. These latest endorsements prove that we've covered a lot of ground in that regard: Naxos, the European Festivals Association and the combined efforts of many French partners, spearheaded by Le Bureau Export. We are absolutely delighted and honoured that we can welcome each of these significant initiatives from key players, bringing them together with all our partner networks and individual delegates in 2018."

Find out more about the first confirmations and registration here.