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In 2022, NordSonore was launched as a campaign in 2022 to raise increase the visibility of contemporary Dutch music in France. In collaboration with French festivals and venues, opportunities arose were created for Dutch makers to present new work and to build lasting long-term relationships. Two years later, much has been achievedand, thanks in particularly to the commitment of artists, ensembles and programmers on both countries,. much has been achieved.

The campaign focused on experimental and contemporary music, with the aim of fostering long-term collaboration and creating more performance opportunities for Dutch makers in France.

One of the partners was the renowned Festival Musica in Strasbourg. Director Stéphane Roth reflects: “We were delighted to present an important work by Louis Andriessen, De Staat, to the French audience at the opening of the festival. The intensive exchange enabled Musica to forge strong ties with Dutch festivals, groups and makers.”

Meaningful connections also grew in other places. For example, Rewire from The Hague received a carte blanche to present Dutch electronic music at festivals in Nantes and Strasbourg.

In Albi, Festival Riverrun invited several Dutch makers, including Ensemble Modelo62, Reinier van Houdt and Thomas Ankersmit. This resulted in new co-productions and follow-up plans.

43 performances by Dutch artists in France, presented by 30 makers and ensembles in collaboration with 12 festivals and venues

53 French programmers visited Dutch festivals, where they experienced the work of 136 Dutch makers

51 articles in the French media, featuring 26 Dutch groups and 14 maker interviews

The campaign has resulted in several long-term collaborations, such as a Dutch focus at Festival Musica in Strasbourg, where Ensemble Klang and Asko|Schönberg performed works by Louis Andriessen. French festivals and venues, such as Le Lieu Unique in Nantes, La Muse en Circuit in Paris, Le Petit Faucheux in Tours, and Festival Riverrun in Albi, are increasingly including Dutch makers and ensembles in their programmes. For example, Thomas Ankersmit presented new work in Strasbourg, Reims, and Albi, which has already led to new invitations for 2025.

Thanks to NordSonore, Ensemble Modelo62 was also able to perform at Riverrun and build relationships with French partners.

Mutual knowledge has also increased: French programmers now have a sharper, up-to-date view of Dutch music and its infrastructure, while Dutch makers gained better insight into the French market. As a result, new doors have opened and Dutch makers’ hesitation to enter into collaborations in France has significantly decreased.

This is a short summary of the campaign report. Interested in the full report and an overview of press coverage and performances? Please contact us at communicatie@fondspodiumkunsten.nl. We will be happy to send it to you.