New Music Conference 2024: contemporary classical from Holland in the spotlight

At the sixth edition of the New Music Conference, professionals from contemporary classical, jazz, world music, and innovative crossovers gathered in Den Bosch to share experiences on composing, career building, and the power of creativity. Thanks to the collaboration with the November Music festival, the conference featured a rich and diverse program packed with inspiring speakers and musical interludes. The event also saw the presentation of the Buma Classical Award, the Buma Classical Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Buma New Music Incentive.

New Music Conference 2024 program

This year’s speakers included composers Micha Hamel, Mathilde Wantenaar, and Martin Fondse, along with programmers like Joost Heijthuijsen (Muziekgebouw Amsterdam), Masa Spaan (De Doelen Rotterdam), Caroline Bakker (Dag in de Branding), and Marieke Hopman (November Music). Kathleen Wallfisch shared her expertise in film music, and Matthew Whiteside talked about career planning.

In the afternoon, attendees enjoyed a musical interlude by Elisabeth Hetherington, recent recipient of the Dutch Music Prize, accompanied by pianist/composer Paolo Gorini. The day closed with a special performance by the Composer Laureate of the Netherlands, Anne-Maartje Lemereis, alongside Child Composer Laureate Lize Bastiaens.

Award presentations at New Music Conference 2024

Three special awards were presented during the New Music Conference 2024, spotlighting contemporary classical music from the Netherlands.

The Buma Classical Award 2024

The Buma Classical Award 2024, awarded to a composer with a remarkable presence in the cultural landscape, went to Corrie van Binsbergen. Since the 1980s, she has made her mark on the Dutch music scene with bands like Corrie en de Brokken, her own festivals, and unique writers’ concerts. Her music, a blend of diverse influences and styles, resonates with a wide audience. She is pleasantly surprised by this recognition in the classical category.

“I am just a musician. My music is a mixture of everything I like. The direction I have taken now seems to be appreciated by more people.”

Read more about Corrie van Binsbergen in this interview on New Music Conference (Dutch only).

Buma Classical Lifetime Achievement Award

The Buma Classical Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a composer who has had a profound impact on contemporary classical music: Theo Loevendie. With his versatile work, spanning operas, orchestral pieces, and chamber music, he connects with audiences across generations. Loevendie has built a rich legacy and is a true storyteller through his music, addressing themes like war victims, freedom fighters, and heroes who stand up for worthy causes. He has inspired many students at Dutch conservatories to follow their musical paths. A true icon in the Dutch music scene, and who well deserved this honour.

Buma New Music Incentive

Seven talented composition students from Dutch conservatories, four women and three men, had the opportunity to pitch their work at the New Music Conference. They were nominated by their professors. After an exciting pitch session, Elizabete Rudzinska, a student at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam from Latvia, was awarded the Buma New Music Incentive worth €250,00. It was a fantastic opportunity for young talent to showcase their work to a professional audience.

The New Music Conference is an initiative by BumaStemra, organized by Buma Cultuur in collaboration with November Music.

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