« previousnext »

Estate Musicale Chigiana, one of the most prestigious schools and specialization for musicians, during June and August, promotes seasons with concerts of highest level and shows in extraordinary frames.

The concerts and workshops are held from June through August on impressive locations such as Santa Maria della Scala and the church of Sant'Agostino in Siena.

Accademia Musicale Chigiana is situated in the 14th century Palazzo Chigi-Saracini in the elegant Via di Città.

Before the Palazzo Pubblico was built, this building was used as the seat of the Council of the Republic of Siena. Today the building is composed of two floors, the ground floor in stone and the first floor in brick. The Accademia Musicale Chigiana founded in 1932 was immediate success, thanks to the contribution of musicians of considerable importance who came to Siena to help the Count with organizing the academy’s courses. Among these was Alfredo Casella, who helped the Count found the academy.

Today the academy can boast having taught a number of world class musicians such as Claudio Abbado, Salvatore Accardo, Carlo Maria Giulini and much more.

The impressive art collection is kept within the Accademia.

The collection is particularly rich in Italian masters, particularly of the Senese School, such as Sassetta, Sodoma, Beccafumi, and Botticelli.

There are also objects ranging from ivory to silver, porcelain and a collection of Italian ceramics from the 16th to the 18th century.

The Accademia Chigiana also owns a vast literary and musical library numbering some 70,000 volumes, some of which are particularly rare.

Three conditioned rooms of the Accademia are given over to the collection of musical instruments, particularly string instruments.

For more information visit

• Estate Musicale Chigiana