To support local artists in developing overseas markets and international network, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) organised the first-ever Hong Kong delegation by subsidising 10 Hong Kong musicians/composers/producers to attend Classical:NEXT held on 16-19 May 2018 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Classical:NEXT is an international music expo which covers both classical and contemporary music. It was born out of the idea to provide a platform for music practitioners from all around the world to exchange, observe, discuss and explore the new trends and opportunities in music development. Since its first edition in 2012, Classical:NEXT is now in its seventh year and has developed into an event attended by 1,300 music professionals representing 750 companies from 48 countries. The four-day event features expo with stands representing artists/organisations as well as conferences, mentoring sessions, network meetings, showcases and pitching sessions.

Members of the Hong Kong delegation actively engage in the exchange with professionals from other countries.

Under the arrangement by HKADC, the 10 funded Hong Kong musicians/composers/producers were able to meet with the Classical:NEXT’s organiser as well as representatives of arts organisations from Australia, New Zealand and the United States to understand in depth the latest music scene of different countries. The delegates also actively participated in various events of the music expo to exchange ideas with overseas practitioners. Through promoting Hong Kong music productions, the delegates strived to establish a global network to identify collaborative opportunities in the future.

The Expo’s organiser welcomes the Hong Kong delegation attending Classical:NEXT 2018.

As this is the first-ever visit to Classical:NEXT by a sizable Hong Kong delegation, the organiser specially invited the HKADC representative and 3 members of the delegation (including Ms Fiona Siu, Director of RhapsoArts; Mr Louis Siu, Artistic Director of Toolbox Percussion; and Ms Sharon Chan, General Manager of Hong Kong New Music Ensemble) to present in the Postcard Pitch session where audiences were introduced to a general picture of Hong Kong music scene and its future development, letting international music professionals have a better understanding of Hong Kong music arts industry.

The Postcard Pitch session includes an introduction of Toolbox Percussion and its artistic vision by the group’s Artistic Director Mr. Louis Siu. Photo Credit: Louis Siu	International music professionals attend the Postcard Pitch session to learn more about the Hong Kong music scene.

Members of the Hong Kong delegation were positive about their first visit to Classical:NEXT, with most of them continuing to maintain close contact with overseas counterparts. Future collaborations were in discussion while some initiatives in music publishing and exchange performances were confirmed. Delegate member Ms Sze Ka-yan, Music/Sound Events Curator of Emptyscape, said: “It was a great and beneficial learning opportunity to be in touch with professionals from other countries who are engaged in similar music productions. We can exchange ideas on our experiences, practices, thoughts and information.”

To conclude the experience of participating in Classical:NEXT, delegates acknowledged it as a platform for Hong Kong music practitioners to both expand their overseas network and to learn about the latest international trends in music development. In addition to making new contacts for potential collaborations and appreciating new music showcases from the world, Hong Kong music professionals also gained new perspectives on the latest operating and development models from other regions (such as operation of music groups, audience development, promotion strategies/formats) through the topical sessions. The insights gained could provide new angles and new thoughts which would be beneficial in the further development of Hong Kong music.