Our Vision

Located in a hilltop medieval village in southern Tuscany, the Piccola Accademia di Montisi has been founded to provide a center of inspiration for musicians worldwide who have an interest in the harpsichord, its repertoire and its history. > More

In the past 50 years, interest in 16th-18th century music has flourished and the number of musicians exploring performance practices on original instruments has grown dramatically. Unfortunately, while interest in the harpsichord and its role in the musical life of Europe has greatly expanded, access to the original instruments for which the composers of that time wrote is rapidly diminishing. Most institutions have withdrawn access to their instrument collections, treating them as historic ‘documents’, to be seen but not heard. The consequence of this approach to preservation is that the authentic sound of these instruments and the musical insights that they provide are being lost to future generations.

In response, the Piccola Accademia is creating a world-class collection of harpsichords, including both original antiques and historic copies from leading modern makers to serve the musical community at large. The Accademia’s instrument collection will include examples of each national school that allow the entire harpsichord repertoire to be played on the historic style of instrument for which each composer wrote.

However a collection that is not played would simply be a museum, so instruments will be brought to life through master classes given by many 'internationally' renowned teachers, professors and performers of the harpsichord. In 2007, we began with a pilot program of five one-week master-classes. In 2008 we will offer the same, all classes being tuition free for qualified students.  The collection will also feature an annual music festival that will include both important established artists and emerging new talents, incorporating both solo and ensemble performances that will be held in the historic chapels, churches and monasteries within Montisi and its environs.

The Accademia will continuously build a music library spanning the full range of the harpsichord repertoire with a focus on original manuscripts and authentic editions, all to be available in digitized formats for on-site and remote use. The creation of state-of-the-art recording facilities are also under development, making good use the Accademia’s instrument collection, the local church venues and the special quiet of the Tuscan countryside.

Piccola Accademia is committed to providing access to exceptional instruments, teaching and recording facilities to the musical community, as well more broadly raising the profile of quality historic performance and appreciation of the harpsichord through regular performances, festivals, community events and communications.