CSBFNextGen 2026
From 01 May to 31 August Belgium / Brussels
CSBF NEXTGEN 2026:
17 & 18 NOVEMBER, 2-DAY TRAINING LAB & COMPETITION
Launched in 2025, the NextGen project is a professional development programme and a "springboard" competition dedicated to young performers specialising in early music. Organized within the framework of the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest — a festival which, since its creation in 2021, has aimed to foster encounters between internationally renowned artists and young talents — NextGen seeks to support the emergence of a new generation of musicians by providing them with a platform for visibility, training, and networking with industry professionals.
NextGen combines several key dimensions: an artistic competition (18 November 2026), performance opportunities within the festival (in 2027), and a two-day professional coaching session (17 & 18 November 2026) designed to facilitate the entry of young artists into the international music scene.
Following an online pre-selection based on video material and an ensemble portfolio, the jury will select four groups to perform in Brussels over two days before a panel of distinguished musicians, programmers, and cultural sector professionals.
Following an online pre-selection based on video material and an ensemble portfolio, the jury will select four groups to perform in Brussels over two days before a panel of distinguished musicians, programmers, and cultural sector professionals.
The Roadmap
- Online Application. Deadline: 31 August 2026. Open to all Early Music ensembles meeting the criteria. Submit your bio, video, and project proposal via our online portal.
- Selection of the 4 Finalists. Announcement: 15 September 2026. The jury will select the four most promising ensembles to move forward to the live stage in Brussels.
- The Brussels Training Lab (Exclusive for Finalists). 17-18 November 2026. The four selected ensembles will travel to Brussels for a 2-day immersive experience featuring professional masterclasses, workshops, and networking. Note: Participation in the Lab is part of the final evaluation.
- Grand Finale & Winner Announcement. 18 November 2026. Following the final concert of the four finalists, the jury will announce the overall winner of the NextGen 2026 prize.
The NextGen 2026 Jury
- Jeroen Vanacker, Head of Music at BOZAR
- Veerle Declerck, Early Music Artistic Coordinator at Concertgebouw Brugge
- Lambert Colson, Director of the ensemble InAlto
- Nicolas Achten, Director of the ensemble Scherzi Musicali
- Early Music & Beyond representative, TBC
- Matteo Gemolo, Artistic Director of CSBF
Who can apply?
Eligibility & Application Criteria:
- Ensemble Profile: The competition is open to Early Music groups with a maximum of 5 members. The average age of the ensemble must be 35 years or under.
- Artistic Vision: We highly encourage innovative projects and programs that explore cross-genre collaborationsor "contaminations" between Early Music and other musical styles.
Required Materials:
- A comprehensive ensemble biography.
- One or more video recordings (not exceeding a total duration of 5 minutes).
- A high-resolution (HD) promotional group photograph.
Availability: Applicants must be fully available to travel to and stay in Brussels on November 17 and 18, 2026, for the professional workshops and the final performance.
Project Proposal for 2027: Candidates must submit a detailed program proposal for the 2027 season of the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest, as the winning ensemble will be officially programmed for the following year.
Theme for 2027: The proposal must align with the festival's theme: "RE-GENESIS: The Eternal Return of the Classic."
Nextgen 2026 Winning Prize
During this 2-day Training Lab, the jury will evaluate the performances of the four ensembles and select one winner, during their final concert, who will receive:
- A €1000 cash prize;
- The opportunity to perform at CSBF 2027 (theme The Eternal Return of the Classic) as part of our signature double-concert series alongside an internationally acclaimed ensemble;
- A professionally produced video and audio recording, which may be featured in the CSBF audio guide for the archaeological museum.
- A new commission by a Belgian composer: this year, Andreas Moulin will create a bespoke piece dedicated to the winning ensemble.
Early Music & Beyond Development Prize
A key addition to the 2026 program, the Early Music & Beyond Development Prize honors the ensemble showing exceptional potential for creative innovation and artistic scalability. Early Music & Beyond is a Brussels-based department uniting two musical academies (the Jetse and Hoofdstedelijke Academies) to bridge historical performance with modern creativity, offering expert-led training for musicians of all levels—from beginners to professionals. This prize recognizes the ensemble demonstrating the highest potential for creative innovation and artistic scalability. Early Music & Beyond intends to support the winner’s mid-term professionalization through a comprehensive development plan covering artistic, organizational, and administrative management. The award comprises 12 hours of fully funded consultancy and training (inclusive of travel and accommodation), to be delivered between late 2026 and 2027 according to the parties' availability.
