EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

In 2026, Virtuoso & Belcanto will celebrate its 11th edition, with a rich educational offer.

As usual, the core will be advanced courses for:

  • Piano
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Chamber Music

Our educational program is quite unique: it is created to give students the opportunity to work with all the Maestros who will alternate during the two weeks of activities. The young musicians will study with all the professors of the program they are admitted to (instrument and/or chamber music classes). Check the Faculty for the next edition of Virtuoso&Belcanto.

The following activities are planned over the course of the two weeks:

  • 6 individual lessons (for students admitted to the instrument classes) or 8 ensemble lessons (for students of the chamber music program) of 45 minute duration;
  • Lectures, Concerts and Special events.

Piano students will have the chance to take part in a special fortepiano masterclass.

In the 2026 edition, two prestigious workshops will be part of the educational program: Contemporary V&B and V&B Chamber Orchestra. Students applying for admission to the V&B courses can also apply for individual workshops by indicating their preference in the application form. Workshop applications will remain open until April 30th, 2026. Participation in the workshops is free for students already admitted to the courses; however, external participants are also welcome to apply using the dedicated form.

It’s possible to apply for both instrumental and chamber music classes. Students admitted to both programs will have 6 instrumental classes + 8 chamber music classes.

The chamber music course is open exclusively to pre-formed ensembles.

It is possible to indicate one or more “main professors”: the Festival’s secretary will evaluate preferences expressed by all students to create a personalized class schedule, balancing many factors (professors’ availability, time spent in Lucca, other students’ requests).

Registration as an auditor is also allowed. Auditors will be able to attend all scheduled lessons and all scheduled public events. Likewise, those enrolled in an instrumental or chamber music program will be able to attend all the other lessons as auditors.

The Virtuoso&Belcanto 2026 edition will be held in Lucca, July 20th – August 2nd. Classes will start on the morning of Monday, July 22nd; the last day of classes will be on Sunday, August 2nd, as well as the evening closing concert with V&B Chamber Orchestra. Students, at their discretion, can decide to participate in the Festival for a shorter period than scheduled: the registration fee and educational program would remain unchanged but with a more intense class schedule.

Deadline for applications: May 31st, 2026.