The eighteen editors of Europe?s most important classical music publications, radio stations and internet portals met in the Palace of the Arts to discuss European concert and music festivals, the recording industry, sustaining the culture of classical music, and music education in the 21st century. Among the participants were James Jolly, editor-in-chief of Gramophone (UK), Gregor Willmes, editor-in-chief of FonoForum (Germany), Luis Sunén, editor-in-chief of Scherzo (Spain), Nathalie Krafft, editor-in-chief of Le Monde de la Musique (France), and Martin Hoffmeister, musical editor of MDR Radio (Germany). The host of the meeting, Gramofon, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The MIDEM international music market fair is held in Cannes each year in January. In 2006, the event attracted almost 10,000 professionals from around the world. The MIDEM Classical Awards recognise the previous year's outstanding classical music achievements in 14 categories.
Gramofon editor-in-chief Attila Retkes has been taking part in MIDEM Classical Awards jury activities for years. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for Europe's leading musical critics to exchange views on their national music scenes in a relaxed professional setting, he says.
