A PERSONAL WELCOME

Message from the Artistic Director

As we reflect on the fifth edition of the ArtePiano International Festival & Competition, I do so with immense gratitude and joy. Returning once again to Castelnuovo di Farfa felt like coming home. Every year this remarkable village reminds us that ArtePiano is not just a festival, but a place where people from around the world come together through music, friendship and shared humanity.

This year’s edition was undoubtedly our most vibrant and colourful yet. We were delighted to welcome many new participants, with almost half of our piano students attending ArtePiano for the first time, while our second year of violin masterclasses continued to grow and flourish. Our exceptional international faculty once again inspired everyone with their outstanding artistry and dedication. Their commitment and guidance to every participant was reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from students and families.

One of the most significant milestones this year was the first orchestral final of the International ArtePiano Competition. For the first time, the competition included two live rounds: a semi-final featuring seven outstanding pianists, followed by a spectacular final in the magnificent Abbey of Farfa, where three finalists performed with the Orchestra delle Cento Città. It was a memorable occasion and an exciting step forward in the continued development of our competition.

Alongside the competition and masterclasses, our concert series once again represented a central part of the festival. We were honoured to welcome outstanding artists from around the world, who shared their artistry with our audiences. The exceptionally high level of these performances, together with the diversity of the artists and programmes presented, continues to strengthen ArtePiano’s role as a place where world-class music can be experienced and shared with the local community, wider region, travellers and classical music lovers.

We also introduced a number of new initiatives, including our first ArtePiano Game Night, which brought students, parents, faculty and volunteers together in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, strengthening the wonderful sense of community that makes our festival so unique.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of this year’s festival was hearing so many participants tell us that ArtePiano had given them far more than they expected. They left not only as stronger musicians, but with greater confidence, lifelong friendships and memories that will remain with them for years to come. It is these experiences that continually reassure us that our vision is the right one—that music and humanity belong side by side, each enriching the other.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are already looking ahead with great excitement. Planning for next year’s festival is already underway, and we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new participants as the ArtePiano family continues to grow.

This is ArtePiano—Where Music and Humanity Meet.