Centro Studi e Ricerche Santa Giacinta Marescotti

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IV International Competition Prince Francesco Maria Ruspoli: A Tribute to Baroque

The Centro Studi e Ricerche Santa Giacinta Marescotti, a non-profit association from the town of Vignanello, is pleased to announce the IV edition of the International Competition Prince Francesco Maria Ruspoli. This initiative aims to rediscover and give new expressive form to the genius loci, the music that defined the identity of Vignanello and the Ruspoli Castle during the court of Prince Francesco Maria. Our goal is to re-establish Vignanello as a vibrant center for baroque music, fostering dialogues and future collaborations with leading international baroque festivals and centers.

The Competition, as in previous editions, is dedicated to Prince Francesco Maria Ruspoli, a key figure in the architectural development of Vignanello and in the promotion of baroque music. We wish to celebrate his dedication to art, his passion for beauty, and his commitment to transforming his court into a flourishing center of cultural activities. Prince Ruspoli was a generous patron of talents such as Hotteterre “Le Romain”, Georg Fridrich Händel, Antonio Caldara, and the Poets of the Arcadian Academy. In particular, it was his generosity that allowed Händel to stay for several months at his court, a period that significantly enriched the composer’s style and expressiveness, especially in opera production. Among the works born from this stay are La Resurrezione (performed precisely in Vignanello on Easter Day), the Salve Regina, and numerous cantatas.

The 2012 edition of the Competition is divided into two sections, both focusing on the Baroque period:

  • Instrumental Section (viola da gamba)
  • Musicology Section

The Instrumental Section is chaired by Maestro Paolo Pandolfo, while Professor Giorgio Monari is the Scientific Director for the Musicology Section. The Centro Studi is excited to once again offer this launching opportunity for young talents.

Registrations for the IV International Competition Prince Francesco Maria Ruspoli have been extended.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31, 2012