Breaking – Classical: NEXT is shut down

One of the classical music industry’s livelier gabfests, Classical:Next, has been called off for the second year running. New Dutch government rules prohibit indoor events without assigned seats

The organisers say they will refund all delegates’ fees, many of which had been carried over from last year’s cancellation.

Classical:NEXT claims to attract a younger, edgier, more adventurous element of the classical business. Next year’s conference is pencilled in for May in Germany.

Statement by the Rotterdam concert hall:
Following up on the announcements of the Dutch government on August 13, it is with heartfelt sadness that we currently do not see a legal basis to make Classical:NEXT 2021 happen in September. We are stuck on the ground that indoor events without assigned seats are not permitted, and that events lasting for several days, including business events with overnight stays, are not allowed up to and inclusive September 19. This makes it impossible for us to organise Classical:NEXT the way it should be.