Freedom & Peace

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Freedom & Peace – International Composition Competition with Award Ceremony

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 5 PM, the Conservatory of Bolzano will host the world premiere of the international composition competition “Freedom & Peace”, featuring a concert of extraordinary intensity. Nine selected works, chosen from over 60 submissions from around the world (Argentina, Norway, China, Czech Republic, Italy, etc.), will be performed for the first time. The competition, promoted by the Katholische Männerbewegung, the Südtiroler Künstlerbund, the Südtiroler Chorverband, and the provincial directorate of German- and Ladin-speaking music schools, was created to view music not only as an art form but also as a social responsibility. The artistic direction is by Josef Lanz, with premieres conducted by Luigi Azzolini, Emir Saul, and Martin Wieser; the evening will be hosted by Dieter Scoz, while Otwin Nothdurfter will read texts specially written for the event.

The competition aims to make the themes of freedom and peace emotionally tangible. The selected works by Jakob Augschöll, Gerson Batista, Alessio Ferrante, Leon Gurvitch, Peter Helmut Lang, Sebastian Ernesto Pafundo, Michèle Schladebach, Josef Unterhofer, and Otto Wanke span vocal music and instrumental ensembles, showcasing diverse interpretations of the message of peace. The jury, chaired by Josef Lanz and composed of experts and musicians, emphasizes that music can make the inexpressible perceptible.

The competition and concert are supported by local cultural and religious institutions and funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the Claudio Monteverdi Conservatory of Bolzano. At the end of the evening, the Audience Award will be presented, decided by a vote of the attendees. The event invites listening and reflection; entry is free, and voluntary donations are welcome.

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