Fondazione Giorgi Cini was established in 1951 by Vittorio Cini, in memory of his son Giorgio, with the aim of restoring the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, severely degraded by almost 150 years of military occupation, to reintegrate it into the life of Venice and to make it an international center of cultural activities. Throughout its 70-year history, the Foundation has promoted permanent social, cultural, artistic and research activities (with special reference to Venetian and Veneto civilization), which have been developed with always original initiatives in a constant dialogue with Italian and international culture. In addition to its own research activities, exhibitions and conferences, performances and concerts, the Foundation hosts congresses and conferences of qualified scientific and cultural organizations and hosts initiatives of absolute importance in the field of international relations.

AUDITORIUM “LO SQUERO”

Auditorium “Lo Squero” on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore is an old workshop once used to repair boats, transformed in 2016 into a modern and striking auditorium, thanks to the work of architects Cattaruzza and Millosevich and with contributions from the Interregional Superintendency for Public Works of Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Virginio Bruni Tedeschi Foundation. The setting of the hall was made possible by contributions from the Venice Foundation, Melissa Ulfane and an anonymous donor. Thanks to its exceptional acoustics and its privileged location directly overlooking the lagoon, the Squero on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore is a unique space that perfectly accords music and image. 

Gioventù Musicale d’Italia (GMI), founded in Milan in 1952, is the Italian section of JM International (JMI), the world’s largest music NGO, created in Brussels in 1945. More than 40 countries around the world are members, with the common purpose of spreading music to young people, regardless of culture, race or language. Its activities are vast and range from classical music, which is its basis, to jazz, folk, ethnic music, and the most recent musical expressions.
The primary purpose of the Gioventù Musicale d’Italia is to support young musicians in their professional activities, with particular regard to the moment of transition from training to profession.

The National Auditions, the collaboration with World Federation of International Music Competitions (FMCIM), the high number of concerts performed in its national circuit, the vast network of international artistic exchanges, are the means through which the Gioventù Musicale d’Italia has offered and continues to offer young musicians the opportunity to begin, continue, and strengthen their insertion into the world of work.

Gioventù Musicale d’Italia also pursues the goal of spreading music, as an expression of human feeling, at all levels by making up for a lack inherent in the national school system. JM International is a member of the International Music Council (IMC), an organization created by UNESCO in 1949.

Founded in 1985, Accademia Stauffer is among Italy’s most prestigious musical institutions, an international reference point for the advanced training of string instrumentalists (violin, viola, cello, double bass) in solo, chamber and orchestral settings.

The Academy selects exceptionally talented young musicians from all over the world, offering them an opportunity for inclusion in an exclusive path of artistic and professional growth. The Academy’s faculty brings together some of the most established and appreciated Italian and international artists, along with specialized chamber ensembles and ensembles, from baroque to contemporary.
Stauffer offers an integrated and diversified teaching program, based on the excellence of the great Italian music school and in connection with the best international training experiences.
The Academy provides annual advanced courses taught by Salvatore Accardo (violin), Bruno Giuranna (viola), Antonio Meneses (cello), Franco Petracchi (double bass) and the Cremona Quartet, an annual professional course for first violinist, taught by the first parts of the most important European orchestras, masterclasses and programs
residency programs, held in collaboration with some of the most prestigious international academic institutions.
All Stauffer students are supported by a full-ride scholarship program, a unique opportunity in the higher music education system. The Academy’s alumni include numerous internationally renowned soloists, established chamber ensembles and first parts of some of the most influential orchestral ensembles.