Inspired by Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony, this year we celebrate the grandeur and spirit of the Alpine landscape through music and culture.

2025 Theme: The Majesty of the Alps

2nd - 9th August 2025

Music System Italy 2025 is dedicated to exploring the beauty and cultural significance of the Alpine region. Drawing inspiration from Richard Strauss’ masterpiece, ‘Alpensinfonie,’ we invite participants and audiences to embark on a journey through music, nature, and tradition.

Masterclasses

Focused on orchestral pieces inspired by nature, including Strauss’ Alpensinfonie and other works by composers who celebrated the majesty of the Alps.

Cultural Tours

Visits to Alpine landmarks, traditional villages, and natural wonders in Friuli Venezia Giulia, where participants will experience the unique connection between music and the mountains.

Concert Series

Performances in venues with Alpine vistas, highlighting Strauss’ Alpensinfonie and complementary works by European composers.

Why the Alps?

The Alps symbolize resilience, grandeur, and the harmony of nature, all themes beautifully encapsulated in Strauss’ work. Through this focus, we aim to merge music and the Alpine identity in a profound celebration of culture and artistry.

A Source of Artistic Inspiration

The Alps have long inspired composers, artists, and poets, offering a natural setting where creativity flourishes. Their majesty continues to shape music and the arts.

A Meeting Point of Cultures

As a crossroads of European civilizations, the Alpine region embodies a unique blend of traditions, fostering a deeper connection between music, history, and heritage.

The program we are working on

2025 Concerts Venues

Venzone - 7th August 2025

A medieval jewel nestled in Friuli's Alpine charm.

Monte Lussari - 8th August 2025

Spiritual retreat amidst breathtaking Alpine landscapes

Cividale del Friuli - 9th August 2025

Ancient Lombard UNESCO heritage in a picturesque setting.

Join Music System Italy 2025
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Audition Now for a Unique Musical Residency in Italy

Who Are We Looking For?

Music System Italy is seeking young, talented, and passionate classical musicians to join our 2025 Artistic Residency & Festival in Udine, Italy.

We are looking for:

  • Instrumentalists specialized in brass instruments, with a strong technical foundation and expressive musicality.
  • Young musicians aged over 18 from all over the world, eager to immerse themselves in a high-level artistic experience.
  • Dedicated artists who want to refine their performance skills through intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and concerts under the guidance of renowned international musicians.
  • Enthusiastic team players who thrive in an ensemble setting, embracing cultural diversity and collaborative music-making.
  • Curious explorers eager to experience Italian culture, perform in historical and breathtaking venues, and act as ambassadors of classical music.
  • Aspiring professionals who wish to gain real orchestral experience, engage with master musicians, and build lasting international connections.

This is a fully funded opportunity for selected musicians, with all expenses covered except travel costs to Udine.

If you are a motivated, ambitious, and open-minded musician, this is your chance to be part of one of Europe’s most exciting cultural exchange programs.

Apply now and let your talent shine on the international stage.

Early information

  • Audition opens from 1st to 31th March 2025
  • Results will be communicated to every applicant by the end of April 2025

Full scholarships are available, covering all participation costs, including accommodation and meals. Selected musicians will only need to cover their travel expenses to reach Udine, Italy.

Udine, located in the northeastern part of Italy, is accessible by air, train, and car. Here’s how you can reach Udine using these modes of transportation:

By Plane:

While Udine doesn’t have its own airport, several nearby airports offer convenient access:

  1. Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS): Approximately 40 km from Udine, this is the closest airport. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Udine, with the journey lasting about 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus services operated by TPL FVG (line 51) connect the airport to Udine in approximately 45 minutes. 

  2. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Located about 120 km from Udine, Venice’s main airport offers extensive international connections. To reach Udine, take a bus (ATVO Fly Bus or ACTV bus number 15) from the airport to Venezia Mestre railway station, a journey of about 20-30 minutes. From there, trains to Udine depart almost hourly, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. 

  3. Treviso Airport (TSF): Roughly 110 km from Udine, this airport is another option. A public bus (number 6) connects the airport to Treviso railway station in about 15-20 minutes. From Treviso, trains to Udine take approximately 1.5 hours. 

By Train:

Udine is well-connected by rail:

  • From Venice: Trains depart from Venezia Mestre railway station to Udine almost every hour, with a journey time of about 2 hours. 

  • From Trieste: Direct trains from Trieste Centrale to Udine take approximately 1-1.5 hours.

  • From Treviso: Trains from Treviso Centrale to Udine take about 1.5 hours.

For schedules and ticket bookings, visit the Trenitalia website.

By Car:

Udine is accessible via major highways:

  • From the North (Austria): Take the A23 motorway southbound directly to Udine.

  • From the West (Venice): Use the A4 motorway towards Trieste, then merge onto the A23 towards Udine.

  • From the East (Slovenia): Enter Italy via the A34 motorway, then take the A4 towards Venice and merge onto the A23 to Udine.

For detailed driving directions, consult a GPS navigation system or online mapping service.

Please note that travel times may vary based on schedules and traffic conditions. It’s advisable to check the latest timetables and road statuses before your journey.

Audition Repertoire

Concerto

1st movement of the Haydn concerto, exposition and development (to the high E-flat)

Orchestra excerpts

Mussorgsky: “Pictures at an Exhibition”; Promenade solo

Stravinsky: “Petrouchka”; Ballerina’s dance

Candidates applying for High Horn

Concerto

1st movement exposition of Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4 (without cadenza)

Orchestra excerpts

Ravel: Pavane; (1st horn introduction solo)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; 1st mvt., mm. 86-101 (1st horn)

  1. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben; mm. 1-17 (1st horn)

 

Candidates applying for Low Horn

Concerto

1st movement exposition of Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3 (without cadenza)

Orchestra excerpts

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; 3rd mvt., trio, beginning through beat one of bar 31 (2nd low C) (2nd horn)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; 1st mvt., mm. 86-101 (2nd horn)

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; 1st mvt., 3 after rhl. 17 to first bar of rhl. 20 (2nd horn)

 

Candidates applying for both High Horn & Low Horn

Concerto

1 of the 2 concerts of your choice (1st movement exposition of Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3 (without cadenza) OR 1st movement exposition of Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4 (without cadenza)

 

Orchestra excerpts

ALL above mentioned (high & low)

At the moment, there are no open positions for the Euphonium. However, we still invite you to participate in the audition by performing a piece of your choice. You may be contacted in case a position becomes available in the future.

Concerto

1st movement of F. David: Concertino, Op. 4

Orchestra excerpts

Rossini: “William Tell” Overture; mm. 92-131

Mozart: “Requiem” Tuba mirum., solo

Concerto

Sachse: Concertino in F major (complete)

Orchestra excerpts

Schumann: Symphony No. 3, mvt. 4, mm. 1-18

Haydn: “The Creation”; No. 26., complete

Concerto

1st movement of Vaughan Williams Concerto

Orchestra excerpts

Berlioz: “Symphonie Fantastique”; 5th mvt., mm. 127-147 and 480 to the end

Respighi: “Fontane di Roma”; rhl. 11-rhl. 16

Wagner: Prelude to “Die Meistersinger”; mm. 158-188

Apply now!

Elevate Your Musical Journey with Music System Italy