A Three-year Baltic-Nordic Partnership Has Begun

We are excited to announce the launch of a three-year partnership between the Baltic and Nordic regions, designed to strengthen the ties between our vibrant music communities and promote new music across the broader Nordic-Baltic landscape. This initiative is centered around our esteemed festival platforms: Baltic Music Days and Nordic Music Days, in collaboration with the Baltic Contemporary Music Network and the Council of Nordic Composers.

This partnership emerged from fruitful networking at the Nordic Music Days 2024 and reflects our shared commitment to fostering stronger connections. It aligns seamlessly with the strategic goals of both festivals to promote new music and enhance cultural exchange.

Chair of Nordic Composers’ Council, Páll Ragnar, says: “Although close neighbors, the Nordics and Baltics are, historically speaking, more like distant relatives. We strongly believe this collaboration will bring us closer, not just on a cultural level but as friends across the sea. Everyone has a lot to gain. Nordic Music Days has a long history, and it is incredibly exciting to start this new chapter in the festival’s life.”

Coordinator of the Baltic Contemporary Music Network, Mykolas Natalevičius: “We look forward to sharing this exciting journey, which began with the Baltic Music Days festival and has since expanded into collaboration with our colleagues in the Nordic countries. This represents a significant step forward in fostering a vibrant cultural exchange that brings together the finest musical traditions of the Baltic States and the Nordic region.”

Key Participants:

• Nordic Region: Composers’ societies from Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Sámi Composers Society, and the Suialaa Arts Festival in Greenland.
• Baltic Region: Composers’ unions from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
• Associated Partners: Nordic export offices, Baltic music centers, and partners from Scotland led by Art Music Scotland.

Upcoming Activities:2025:

• Nordic Delegation to Baltic Music Days: Join us in Lithuania from October 16–18 for an exchange of ideas and to experience Baltic new music 
• New Music ExChange: Seminar scheduled for November 14 in Denmark, focusing on inclusive contemporary music practice

2026:

• Nordic Pop-up at Baltic Music Days: Experience a unique showcase in Latvia from April 8–15, featuring a curated selection from Nordic Music Days
• New Music ExChange Knowledge Lab: Planned for autumn in Sweden (exact date TBC).

2027:

• Anticipated activities will connect Baltic Music Days and Nordic Music Days, with details to be confirmed.

For further information, please contact:
Tina Schelle: Nordics, ts@komponistforeningen.dk
Iti Teder: Baltics, iti@helilooja.ee