The Future of the Classical Music Sector
What might the future of Hamburg’s classical music sector look like in 2040?
Over the course of several months, I worked with eleven experts from public administration, cultural institutions, foundations, and the independent scene to develop four plausible future scenarios for classical music in Hamburg. Using the scenario method, we explored diverse yet realistic development paths leading up to 2040.
The results were presented to the public for the first time in June 2025 as part of TONALi’s 15th anniversary celebration.
The four scenarios are named:
The Isolated Island – Culture as a Unifying Force in a Fragmented City
HyperKlang – The Networked Experience Metropolis of Classical Music
Klangpakt – A Solidary Music City in Harmonious Green Balance
The Conservative Archive – Hamburg’s Classical Scene as an Exclusive Refuge
These scenarios represent distinct futures – forming a solid foundation for strategic engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead. The full report is available for download below and serves as a starting point for further discussions within and beyond the classical music sector.
