Month of Contemporary Music will be held for the tenth time in 2026. From October 2 to 31, the program presents a wide range of practices within contemporary music across Berlin. To mark the anniversary, Month of Contemporary Music opens with the Ensemble Festival (October 2–4). For the first time, all established Berlin-based contemporary music ensembles will come together for a three-day program at the former department store CANK in Neukölln. The festival highlights the diversity of the city’s ensemble scene, collective working methods, and the exchange between musicians, composers, and audiences.
On October 5, the conference Time to Listen continues with its second thematic focus on international collaboration and networking. Last year, Time to Listen brought together a number of European initiatives seeking closer cooperation in response to ecological, political, and economic challenges, with the aim of sharing knowledge, resources, and responsibility. This year’s edition places particular emphasis on independent ensembles: their central role in the production of contemporary music, their intermediary position between composers and festivals, their often informal yet resilient networks, and the framework conditions that shape their work and collaboration.
Visitor Program
From October 2 to 5, 2026, musicians, composers, ensembles, and curators are invited to explore Berlin’s contemporary music scene and connect with key actors through a visitor program during Month of Contemporary Music.
The program includes:
- Attendance at concerts during the Ensemble Festival Berlin and other events
- Visits to venues, studios, and project spaces, including conversations with curators and organizers
- Participation in the Time to Listen conference
- Networking events with Berlin-based music professionals
The program is primarily aimed at composers and musicians, presenters, curators, and ensemble representatives in contemporary music from Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. It is particularly relevant for individuals and organizations with concrete projects or collaboration ideas. Due to limited capacity, only one person per organization, ensemble, or collective can receive support.
Application deadline was April 1, 2026
Partners:Art Music Denmark, Centre National de la Musique, Fonds Podiumkunsten Netherlands, Iceland Music, Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg, Mica – Austrian Music Export, Music Finland, Music Norway, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
