Music Estonia x PLMF Arts Management: IAMA Pre-Seminar Day
Monday 13. April at 10:00 - 13:30
Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoor, Tallinn
Music Estonia, in collaboration with the IAMA conference’s main organiser in Estonia, PLMF Arts Management, is coordinating a pre-seminar for the Estonian music industry on the day preceding the conference. The discussions will explore classical music entrepreneurship, international competitiveness and funding, as well as artist career development and best practices. International music professionals from leading companies and organisations will join the discussions, bringing top-level expertise and perspectives in the field of classical music to Estonia. The first discussion will be moderated by Esper Linnamägi (Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir), with panelist Sarah Bruce (Lomonaco Artists Management). The second discussion will be moderated by Julijus Grickevicius, with panelists Gail Wein (Classical Music Communications) and Ilana Goldstoff (Deutsche Grammophon). Additional speakers to be announced.
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
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
Panelists:
Sarah Bruce, Lomonaco Artists Management
Additional speakers to be announced
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
Panelists:
Gail Wein Classical Music Communications
Ilana Goldstoff, Deutsche Grammophon
Additional speakers to be announced
Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoor • Toompuiestee 20, 10149 Tallinn, Harju maakond, Estonia
