‍Classical:NEXT is one of the world’s leading gatherings for professionals in classical and art music. Taking place in Berlin, the event brings together artists, curators, producers, and cultural leaders to share new ideas, discover new music, and build international networks.

Iceland Music is proud to present two bold and innovative projects at Classical:NEXT 2025 as well as a stellar delegation.

viibra — Showcase Performance

Date: 14 May 2025
Venue: Säälchen, Holzmarkt 25, Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin

Formed during a collaboration with Björk, viibra is a powerhouse all-female flute ensemble.

The Icelandic septet viibra performs selections from their highly acclaimed eponymous debut album which showcases their innovative approach to the instrument.

Featuring works by ensemble members and renowned collaborators including Bergur Þórisson, Bára Gísladóttir, Bergrún Snæbjörnsdóttir, and John McCowen, their debut album pushes the boundaries of the flute ensemble tradition.

Expect an immersive performance that challenges expectations and stretches the limits of the instrument.

Seeing the Woods and the Trees — Workshop

Date: 12 May 2025
Time: 15:15–16:00
Venue: Kino 5, Colosseum, Gleimstraße 33, 10437 Berlin

Musician and artistic leader Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffiths leads a practical workshop on collaborative music-making with socially and musically diverse groups.

Drawing on her experience of  founding MetamorPhonics—an award-winning organisation creating recording and performing bands such as The Messengers (London) and Korda Samfónía (Reykjavík) in collaboration with universities, rehabilitation centres, and homeless charities—Sigrún shares real-world insights into creative leadership in complex social settings.

This is a workshop about doing, not just discussing: a playful, critical exploration of power, agency, artistic quality, fragility, and collective creativity in dilemmatic spaces.

Artistic leadership in action — where difference, fragility, and creativity shape collective music-making.

Meet the Icelandic Delegation:

Lama-sea Dear (Head of Production and Live Events at Marvaða)

Fjóla Dögg Sverrisdóttir (Managing Director at Marvaða)

Signý Leifsdóttir (Senior Advisor at Iceland Music)

María Rut Reynisdóttir (Director at Iceland Music)

Valgerður Halldórsdóttir (Cultural Manager at Crescendo)

Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffiths (Composer and Artistic Director at MetamorPhonics)

Heiða Árnadóttir (Singer)

Ásbjörg Jónsdóttir (Composer)

Sif Margrét Tulinius (Violinist)

🎧 Listen Now

Iceland Music at Classical:NEXT 2025 — a curated playlist highlighting some of the boldest new sounds coming out of Iceland’s contemporary music scene.

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