International Orchestra Conference in Wrocław
Following the success of the first Orchestras Now! conference in September 2023, the National Forum of Music is delighted to announce that the second edition will be held from 3-5 September 2025 at their venue in Wroclaw, Poland.
From 3 till 5 September 2025 at the National Forum of Music in Wroclaw, we will explore the current state of the orchestral landscape and help build connections bringing together not only orchestras, but also festivals, concert halls, publishers and the wider industry from across the globe.
The conference will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of the National Forum of Music and the opening of the 60th edition of our EFA Member the Andrzej Markowski International Festival Wratislavia Cantans, offering participants the chance to enjoy exceptional artistic experiences, including the opening performance by Giovanni Antonini, Il Giardino Armonico and NFM Choir.
The main programme themes
This year, the theme will be JOINING THE DOTS as we consider the power of connections and storytelling in shaping a successful and dynamic orchestral sector.
The programme will address three major themes and one of the first sessions will be dedicated to discussing festivals’ expectations and perspectives, shared by Prague Spring International Music Festival and Edinburgh International Festival.
Engaging Audiences and Storytelling
From festival strategies and marketing campaigns to recordings and community education, this track focuses on how orchestras can think about and communicate their value. Sessions offer insights on impactful storytelling, audience growth, and leveraging new technologies to deepen connections and build lasting loyalty.
Organisational Culture and Leadership
What does it take to cultivate strong, sustainable orchestras? Discussions cover leadership transitions, internal communication with players, selecting Music Directors, and the question of artist well-being. We will explore how shared purpose, ethics, and storytelling foster healthier, more resilient organisations.
International Collaboration and Cultural Influence
This strand looks beyond borders at orchestras’ roles in cultural diplomacy and global partnerships. Topics include building meaningful artistic relationships and cross-cultural projects with Asia, and advocating for the arts as a force for positive societal change in a world of conflicts and tensions.
Attendees
Some of the attendees include leadership representatives of such arts organisations as the Elbphilharmonie, Grammophone, Pentatone, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, West Kowloon Arts District, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic, Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestradella Svizzera Italiana, Filarmonia Toscanini, Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg, Münchener Kammerorchester, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Köln Philharmonie, Gulbenkian Foundation, Konserthuset and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Rundfunk Orchester und Chöre Berlin, West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic Society of Lithuania, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Scène Ensemble, League of American Orchestras, Mickiewicz Institute, Ibermusica, Pearle, Future Demand, Sottovoce and Arup.