Welcome to Klang Festival 2026

When we take a look at this year’s Klang programme, a few words come to mind.

The first is journey, which could be understood in a couple of ways. For example, a literal journey through Copenhagen. This year’s festival moves through concert hall, theatre, library, public square – even a party bus. A journey through our programme is literally a journey through Copenhagen. Klang does not only inhabit this city, it is formed by it.

‘Journey’ can also describe Klang itself. This is our third programme with the current management team, and looking back, we can feel how far we have come, and how much is ahead of us. As last year’s Seismograf review put it: “Klang has grown up.” But growing up does not mean losing the childlike curiosity at the heart of our festival- Klang remains a place, exploration, risk, and discovery – essential parts of any journey worth taking.

Another word is community. Klang is shaped not only by where it happens, but by who makes it happen: artists, audiences, volunteers, staff, curators, collaborators, and friends. This year, more than ever, we want to go all-in on this community, and nourish it figuratively and literally. Our collaboration with ALICE expands this year to include Union and Send Flere Krydderier, creating a welcoming space for the Klang community to meet, eat, talk, and listen. We hope that our daily ‘fællesspisninger’ become the village square – a meeting point where we come together, gossip, and connect.

The idea of community is present in our programme, too. We are proud to present the results of this year’s open call, selected in partnership with Chamber Collective. We are so grateful for their perspective and input, and our collaboration brings to mind a famous phrase: if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Don’t be fooled – a welcoming atmosphere does not equal artistic compromise. We continue to present some of the world’s most boundary-breaking experimental music. This year you can expect shamanic necro-core noise, hardcore classical bangers, genre-defying improvisation, reflective chamber music, and much more.

One last word keeps appearing: communion. Not in the religious sense, but as a community coming together around something shared. Klang has always had a special community. Its shape changes year by year, but the uniting questions remain unchanged and urgent: What does ‘new music’ look like right now? How do we create music in 2026? How do we listen in today’s world?

We do not pretend to have the answers, but we hope that we can provide a space to make the journey towards them together. Welcome to Klang 2026.
 

James Black ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Filip Melo MANAGING DIRECTOR