EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Virtuoso&Belcanto 2026:

Masterclasses | Concerts | Competitions

Lucca, July 20th – August 2nd, 2026

In 2026, Virtuoso & Belcanto will celebrate its 11th edition, confirming itself as a leading international Festival whose educational approach reflects a precise system of values in the musical field.

Virtuoso&Belcanto, now in its eleventh edition, was the first international Festival to define a clear artistic and pedagogical vision through its teaching methods. In a letter addressed to the students of the 2020 edition — later adopted by Artistic Director Riccardo Cecchetti as the Festival’s Manifesto — Maestro Alfred Brendel reminded that «the performance of music is not solved by applying a few recipes». This principle continues to inspire the Festival’s educational philosophy.

The Virtuoso&Belcanto Festival is founded upon three closely interconnected elements:

  • advanced courses with the guidance of prestigious international Maestros;

  • competitions reserved exclusively for students enrolled in the courses;

  • concerts performed by guest artists and selected students.

Educational Program

As usual, the core of the Festival will be the advanced courses for:

  • Piano

  • Violin

  • Viola

  • Cello

  • Double Bass – NEW! (only 21.07-25.07)

  • Chamber Music

The educational program is specifically designed to allow students to work with all the Maestros alternating throughout the two weeks of activities. Admitted students will have the opportunity to study with some of the most important artists in the world and will be able to take lessons with every professor of their own instrumental or chamber music course.

It is possible to apply for both instrumental and chamber music classes. Students admitted to both programs will receive 6 instrumental lessons plus 8 chamber music lessons.

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

The following activities are planned during the two weeks:

  • 6 individual lessons of 45 minutes (instrument classes) or 8 ensemble lessons of 45 minutes (chamber music program);

  • lectures, concerts and special events.

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

Workshops

In the 2026 edition, two prestigious workshops will be included in the educational program:

  • Contemporary V&B

  • V&B Chamber Orchestra

Students applying for admission to the Virtuoso&Belcanto courses may also apply for one or more workshops in the specific form. Workshop applications will remain open until April 30th, 2026.

Participation in the workshops is free for students already admitted to the courses; external participants are also welcome to apply through the dedicated form.

Professors and Class Schedule

Applicants may indicate one or more main professors. The Festival Secretary will evaluate all preferences in order to create a personalized lesson schedule, balancing professors’ availability, length of stay in Lucca and students’ requests.

Competitions

The competitions are reserved exclusively for participants enrolled in the masterclasses.
In the 2026 edition, two competitions will take place:

  • Concerto Competition

  • Chamber Music Competition

Concert Program

The Virtuoso&Belcanto Festival concert program is particularly rich and intense. It includes numerous concerts featuring internationally established artists alongside selected students and young musicians from all over the world, held in the unique historical venues of Tuscany — a truly unmissable event for all music lovers.

Auditors

Registration as an auditor is also possible. Auditors may attend all scheduled lessons and all public events. Likewise, students enrolled in instrumental or chamber music programs are welcome to attend all other lessons as auditors.

Venue and Dates

The Virtuoso&Belcanto 2026 edition will take place in Lucca, from July 20th to August 2nd, 2026.

Classes will begin on the morning of Monday, July 22nd, and the final day of lessons will be Sunday, August 2nd, concluding with the evening closing concert featuring the V&B Chamber Orchestra.

Students may choose to participate in the Festival for a shorter period than scheduled; in this case, the registration fee and educational program will remain unchanged, with a more intensive lesson schedule.

The Festival headquarters is located at Real Collegio, Piazza del Collegio 13, Lucca. Lessons are also held in other venues within the city walls, with study spaces distributed both inside and outside the historic center.

Applications

Deadline for applications: May 31st, 2026.