ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Fondazione Accademia Ducale – Centro Studi Musicali ETS is an Italian music foundation dedicated to concert production, research, education and international cultural projects. Founded in 2016 by Giuseppe D’Amico and Erminia Nigro, it is chaired by Angela Vietri and recognized by the Italian Ministry of Culture – Directorate-General for Performing Arts for the 2025–2027 period.
Headquartered at Palazzo Ducale in Pietragalla, with an additional base in Acerenza, the Foundation combines deep roots in Basilicata with activity in Italy and abroad. Its work spans concert production, music education, sacred music, advanced training and research.
WHAT WE DO
Our concert seasons offer audiences a fresh way to enjoy classical music, with interactive listening guides that help deepen the experience.
The Accademia Ducale Ensemble, made up of skilled musicians with chamber and orchestral backgrounds, performs music from the Baroque period to contemporary works—including many world premieres.
These premieres often come from close collaborations with composers and from composition competitions that encourage new music.
Notable artists who have performed with the Ensemble include Shlomo Mintz, Luca Ciammarughi, and conductors Simone Genuini and Lorenzo Porzio.
The Academy offers music courses through the “Mons. Corrado Ursi” Institute of Music.
Courses are open to students of all ages, starting at age 3, and are structured in three levels: propaedeutic, regular, and advanced—leading up to academic qualifications.
We also offer programs for amateur musicians. Lessons are available both in person and online.
Students often play in ensembles and perform in recitals, concerts, and special masses alongside their teachers.
The Academy also works with schools to introduce children to music through workshops and concert-lessons, helping their learning and social development.
Our Liturgical Music Operator course is held with the support of the Archdiocese of Acerenza and the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome—one of the few such collaborations in southern Italy.
The program prepares participants to lead music during religious services, often performing with the Academy’s orchestra during important liturgical celebrations.
We offer specialized training and masterclasses with well-known experts and provide certificates of participation.
Since its foundation, the Academy has hosted study days and high-level workshops featuring distinguished musicians and scholars.
Our Study Center focuses on researching and promoting both historical and modern music, from Italy and around the world. A special focus is given to the rediscovery of Spanish-American Baroque music. We collaborate with musicians, historians, and cultural experts from Peru and with Associazione dei Lucani in Peru.
Findings from this research are shared during concerts and through our Web Tv, featuring guest experts and themed episodes.
The Web TV of Accademia Ducale – Centro Studi Musicali is a project that conveys the results of research and promotes public education on classical music. Some episodes have been produced in collaboration with SIMC – Italian Society of Contemporary Music.
The Accademia Ducale Web TV shares research results and promotes music education.
Some episodes are created in partnership with the Italian Society of Contemporary Music (SIMC), and help make classical music more accessible to the public.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION
Giuseppe D’Amico
RESIDENT CONDUCTOR OF EAD – ENSEMBLE ACCADEMIA DUCALE
Lorenzo Antonio Iosco
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
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