Open Call for Classical:NEXT Showcase Proposals

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

Classical:NEXT is inviting applications from soloists and ensembles worldwide to propose innovative live showcases for its 2027 festival, providing artists with an opportunity to perform before an international community of music professionals. The Showcase Festival highlights artists and ensembles who are exploring new directions in art music. The programme welcomes a broad range of artistic practices, from early and historical repertoire to contemporary, experimental, and indie-classical work. Artists can propose performances that incorporate non-classical or non-Western influences, innovative approaches to audience engagement, or fresh interpretations of traditional works.

About the Classical:NEXT Showcase Festival

The Showcase Festival provides a live performance platform for artists and ensembles working across the art music sector. The programme is designed to highlight performers who challenge conventional approaches and explore innovative ways of presenting art music to an international professional audience. Showcase opportunities can take different formats, allowing artists to present their work through: - Daytime Showcases. - Evening Showcases. - Club Showcases. - DJ sets. - Performances connected with the Innovation Award ceremony. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to soloists and ensembles from around the world. Proposals are welcomed from artists working in any area of art music, provided that the proposed performance represents the work that the applicant intends to present on stage. The programme welcomes a broad spectrum of artistic practices and does not restrict proposals to one specific period, style, or performance approach. What Types of Art Music Are Eligible? The Showcase Festival welcomes proposals representing different periods and approaches within art music.

These can include:

- Early music. - Historical repertoire. - Contemporary music. - Experimental music. - Indie-classical practices. - Projects incorporating non-classical influences. - Projects incorporating non-Western influences. - Innovative audience engagement approaches. - Fresh approaches to traditional works. This broad scope allows artists to propose projects that explore different relationships between classical traditions, contemporary practices, and new artistic ideas. Innovative and Experimental Approaches

Classical: NEXT is particularly interested in artists and ensembles who push the boundaries of art music.

Proposals may introduce new ways of interpreting or presenting established repertoire or explore experimental approaches to performance. Projects can also incorporate influences from outside traditional classical music or from non-Western musical traditions. Applicants should explain the artistic approach clearly and ensure that the proposal accurately represents the live performance they intend to present. Audience Engagement Innovative approaches to audience engagement are also welcomed. Artists may propose projects that introduce new ways for audiences to experience, interact with, or connect with art music. The proposed approach should be reflected in the intended stage performance and supporting application materials. Fresh Approaches to Traditional Works The Showcase Festival is also open to projects that bring new perspectives to traditional repertoire. Applicants can propose fresh approaches to established works while presenting a clear artistic concept and performance format. The proposal should accurately communicate how the work will be presented live. Showcase Performance Formats The Showcase Festival includes several performance formats. Daytime Showcases Daytime Showcases provide opportunities for artists and ensembles to present their work during the daytime programme before an international audience of music professionals. Evening Showcases Evening Showcases offer another live performance format for artists seeking to present their work within the festival’s evening programme. Club Showcases Club Showcases provide a more informal and intimate setting for performances, particularly for projects that can work effectively within a club environment. DJ Sets The festival also includes opportunities for DJ sets within its broader showcase programme. Innovation Award Ceremony Artists may also appear as part of the programme surrounding the Innovation Award ceremony. What Should Applicants Submit? Applicants must submit a proposal that accurately reflects the intended stage performance.

The application should include:

- Written information about the proposed performance. - MP3 samples. - A description that accurately represents the live showcase. - Supporting materials that demonstrate the artistic character of the project. Applicants are also encouraged to provide: - A short introduction video. - High-quality photographs. These additional materials can help provide a clearer picture of the artist or ensemble and the proposed performance. Why Is an Accurate Proposal Important? The submitted proposal should correspond closely to the performance the applicant intends to present at the festival. The written proposal should clearly describe the project, while the MP3 samples should provide an appropriate representation of its sound. Applicants should avoid submitting materials that do not reflect the proposed stage performance. A short introduction video and high-quality photographs can provide additional context about the artist or ensemble and support the overall application. Tips for Preparing a Strong Showcase Proposal Applicants should make their artistic concept clear and ensure that all submitted materials represent the proposed live performance.

A strong proposal should explain:

- Who the artist or ensemble is. - What will be performed. - The artistic approach behind the project. - How the performance connects to art music. - What makes the project innovative or distinctive. - Whether it incorporates non-classical or non-Western influences. - How audien