Publication: VAN Magazine
Topic(s): Classical music, longform music journalism, composer profiles, classical music and politics, music investigations
Rate: ~$400–$500 per article (paid in EUR, depending on reporting depth)
Deadline: Rolling
Name of Editor: Jeff Brown, Editor
Submit Via: jeff@van-verlag.com

VAN Magazine, a Berlin-based international publication focused on classical music and culture, is seeking strong, original pitches from freelance writers with deep reporting instincts and big ideas.

This is a high-paying classical music writing opportunity ideal for experienced writers, journalists, and music critics who can deliver ambitious longform work. Articles typically start at 1,800 words, with flexibility depending on the scope of reporting.

VAN is particularly interested in:

• Longform essays that take intellectual risks and explore new angles in classical music
• In-depth artist profiles grounded in multiple sources (not interviews or single-source pieces)
• Stories at the intersection of classical music, politics, and society
• Investigative journalism with a clear classical music lens

Writers pitching profiles should be comfortable discussing composition, performance, and interpretation, though this is not required for political or investigative pieces.

What VAN is NOT looking for:

• Articles declaring that classical music is “dead”
• Trend pieces about “making classical music cool for young people”
• Profiles where an artist’s main credential is social media popularity

This is a serious outlet for serious music journalism. Writers from Kenya and across Africa with a global outlook are encouraged to pitch.

How to Pitch:
Send a concise pitch outlining your idea, reporting plan, and why it matters to jeff@van-verlag.com.

What They’re Looking For

Well-reported, intellectually rigorous longform journalism that treats classical music as a living, political, and cultural force—not a nostalgia project.