Ascona Baroque Academy

classicAscona academy
in partnership with Loc.Artium

22–27 September 2026

Ascona

Background

In view of the 81st edition of the Settimane Musicali Ascona (2026), the establishment of the Ascona Baroque Academy is planned in partnership with the baroque orchestra Il Pomo d’Oro, Maurice Steger, classicAscona and Loc.Artium. Loc.Artium, as the central co-partner, would take responsibility for implementation and organisation of the project as well as for co-financing (planned contribution: CHF 25’000, representing 50 % of the total budget).

The Academy is embedded in the launch of the Ascona Academy and the repositioning of the Settimane Musicali Ascona. Alongside three masterclasses (with Artists-in-Residence), a Choral Academy, a major project for children and young people, and concert platforms for youth, young adults and emerging professionals, the Baroque Academy will form a dedicated pillar for Early Music. The course centre will be based at the Collegio Papio in Ascona (a former abbey with a Renaissance church), offering optimal conditions for public workshops, individual study, Academy concerts, and catering.

Participants

8 recorder players; 12 baroque string players
(6 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, 1 violone)

Selection

jury consisting of Maurice Steger and the four section leaders of Il Pomo d’Oro

Participation fees

covered by the Baroque Academy budget (tuition, accommodation, meals). Participation will be free of charge for students and will resemble a scholarship.

Objectives and pedagogical approach

The Baroque Academy provides an excellent platform for the training and promotion of young musicians. By combining individual tuition, thematic workshops, and orchestral practice under the guidance of internationally renowned teachers, it aims to achieve top-level interpretative mastery in the baroque repertoire.

Study programme

Disciplines

  • Recorder (direction: Maurice Steger)
  • Baroque strings (violin, viola, cello, violone)

Contents

  • Individual and group lessons; rehearsal of orchestral works under the direction of the section leaders of Il Pomo d’Oro; final concert bringing together the Academy Baroque Orchestra and the recorder class.

Weekly structure

  • Morning: intensive instrumental lessons (four one-to-one sessions per participant during the week)
  • Afternoon: ensemble practice (orchestra rehearsals, chamber music in mixed continuo-based formations)

Thematic focus (2026–2028)

Each edition explores an important Italian city and its baroque musical life from a historical and interpretative perspective. The focus is primarily on instrumental music (winds and strings) in chamber (solo and consort) and orchestral settings.

  • 2026: Naples
  • 2027: Bologna
  • 2028: Venice

Professors

  • Maurice Steger — recorder, ensemble direction and conductor
  • Section leaders of Il Pomo d’Oro (four positions, confirmation pending)
  • Harpsichord, accompaniment, ensemble coaching (to be determined)
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