Present Past

The International Academy of Smarano – active since 1993 as a hub dedicated to the research, production, and dissemination of educational and artistic projects, with a special focus on early keyboard music – is launching a contemporary composition workshop dedicated to historical keyboard instruments. This initiative – ideated with the Piazza del Mondo Association – aims to bridge past and future, rediscovering and reinventing these instruments through an ongoing dialogue between tradition and musical innovation. Recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious institutions in early music fields, the Academy of Smarano, after thirty years of activity, now seeks to create a workshop and concert tour exploring contemporary creativity in relation tohistorical keyboard instruments(harpsichords, organs, fortepianos, clavichords), both in terms of sound andcontextual evocation. While in 2024, the Academy focused on renewing historical performance practices through interaction with visual arts, in 2025, it will experiment with new forms of contemporaneity by fostering the creation of original compositions. These works will engage with the technical and sonic possibilities of historical keyboards while maintaining a free yet respectful approach to the emblematic technical and musical characteristics of these instruments, modal music systems, and historical temperaments. The composition process will be deeply connected to the instrumental act and its potential sonic outcomes, respecting a rich cultural heritage while remaining open to new artistic discoveries. This trans-historical approach seeks to innovate the dissemination and experience of early music repertoire and aims to bring contemporary music and Renaissance and Baroque keyboard instruments to a broader audience.

FACULTY

• Maricarmen Asenjo Marrodán – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Rafael Orozco” (Córdoba)
• César Camarero (Composer)
• Armando Carideo – President, Institute of ItalianHistoric Organ
• Michele Chiaramida – Professor of Organ Practice, Conservatory “Respighi” (Latina)
• Cosimo Colazzo – Professor of Composition,Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda)
• Francisco Martìn-Quintero – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Manuel Castillo” (Seville)

MASTERCLASS PROGRAM

Masterclass 1 – May 23-25, 2025 (Smarano Academy)

Instructors: Armando Carideo – President, Institute of Italian Historic Organ; Cosimo Colazzo -Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda); Michele Chiaramida – Professor of Organ Practice, Conservatory “Respighi” (Latina); Cosimo Colazzo – Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda).

Topic: Technical and musical characteristics of historical keyboard instruments, modal music systems, and musical temperaments.

Masterclass 2 – June 20-22, 2025 (Online)

Instructors: Cosimo Colazzo – Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda); Maricarmen Asenjo Marrodán – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory“Rafael Orozco” (Córdoba); Francisco Martìn-Quintero – Composer and Professor of Composition,Conservatory “Manuel Castillo” (Seville); César Camarero (Composer).

Topic: Composition.

Masterclass 3 – July 18-20, 2025 (Online)

Instructors: Cosimo Colazzo – Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda); Maricarmen Asenjo Marrodán – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory“Rafael Orozco” (Córdoba); Francisco Martìn-Quintero – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Manuel Castillo” (Seville); César Camarero (Composer).

Topic: Composition.

Masterclass 4 – August 18-24, 2025 (Smarano Academy)

Instructors: Maricarmen Asenjo Marrodán – Composerand Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Rafael Orozco” (Córdoba); César Camarero (Composer); Armando Carideo – President, Institute of Italian Historic Organ; Michele Chiaramida – Professor of Organ Practice, Conservatory “Respighi” (Latina); Cosimo Colazzo – Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Bonporti” (Trento and Riva del Garda); Francisco Martìn-Quintero – Composer and Professor of Composition, Conservatory “Manuel Castillo”(Seville).

Topic: Composition and evaluation of compositions.

CONCERTS

1st September – 9th November 2025 (Trento, Smarano, Lecce, Seville)

Concert series featuring young national performers.

APPLICATION FEE

100,00 euros

ACCOMMODATION

Dormitory: 4-bed rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen; bed linen and cleaning included,
18,00 €/pers/day (the dormitory is at our complete disposal).

Albergo Elda: single rooms, full board, 90,00 €/pers/night + tourist tax (2,00 €/day)

Hotel Enrosadira: single rooms, BB, 90,00 €/pers/night + tourist tax (2,00 €/day)

APPLICATION FORM

Link

Deadline for registrations: May 15, 2025

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