Activities

Schedule:

10:00 Arrival
10:15–11:30 First panel: Classical Music Entrepreneurship and Its Sustainability
11:30–12:00 Networking break (coffee and light snacks)
12:00–13:15 Second panel: Artist Career Development: Best Practices
13.30 end of the seminar day
15:30–20:15 Visit to the Pärt Centre (separate ticket)

Tickets from Fienta!

Classical Music Entrepreneurship and Its Sustainability

The field of classical music has traditionally relied on public funding; however, the changing cultural economy increasingly requires an entrepreneurial approach, a diversified revenue base, and conscious strategic management. Sustainable business models, international competitiveness, and professional collaboration are becoming ever more important.

An essential part of this is finding a balance between public and private sector support, including attracting private funding — sponsorships, private donations, and strategic partnerships — while preserving artistic autonomy. European practices demonstrate various models in which public funding can act as a catalyst for attracting private capital, but their effectiveness depends on a clear division of responsibilities and roles.

In the context of strategic management, the clarity of roles is also becoming increasingly important — agents, managers, and promoters, whose practices and boundaries are often shaped in reality by specific teams and regional traditions. What are the current roles in classical music entrepreneurship, and how do they support one another both in organizational management and in fundraising?

The aim is, through discussion, to formulate principles that help strengthen the economic resilience and international position of the field, including in the Estonian context.

Moderator: Esper Linnamägi, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, EE

Panelists:
Christin Linsse, ACCENTUS Music, DE
Marcus Axt, Bamberger Symphoniker, DE
Sarah Bruce, Lomonaco Artists Management, UK

Artist Career Development: Best Practices

The conscious development of an artist’s career requires strategic planning, a strong identity, and an international outlook. Regardless of genre, artists face similar challenges: how to build a sustainable international career and a distinctive identity.

The panel focuses on practical solutions in career strategy and export. Which models support strengthening an artist’s identity and international visibility? What can be adopted from the marketing and branding logic of other genres, and how can the strengths of classical music be used in international positioning?

For international audiences, inspiring examples include musicians and ensembles who have found new performance formats, cross-genre solutions, a strong visual or narrative identity, and a deliberately developed digital presence. Concert venues also play an important role, helping to expand audiences and bring classical music to the next level.

The aim is to highlight transferable practices that help artists strengthen their international competitiveness and broaden their audiences in a changing market.

Moderator: Julijus Grickevicius, LT 

Panelists:
Gail Wein Classical Music Communications, US
Ilana Goldstoff, Deutsche Grammophon, DE
Leelo Lehtla, PLMF Arts Management, EE