2025 marks the centenary of the birth of Luciano Berio, one of the most influential and innovative composers of the 20th century. His music, bold and experimental, explored the possibilities of sound and form, opening new horizons in the art of sound and leaving an indelible mark on the history of contemporary music.
The Monopoli Saxophone Fest aims to celebrate Berio’s legacy through a series of initiatives aimed at exploring his multifaceted work, spreading knowledge about it, and promoting its rediscovery by new generations. The project will take place in Monopoli (Italy) from 19 to 23 May.
Through concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops, we will retrace the fundamental stages of his artistic journey, from his early experiences with electronic music and integral serialism to his more mature works, characterised by an extraordinary richness of language and a constant openness to new technologies.
Particular attention will be paid to Berio’s relationship with the human voice, a privileged instrument of his expressive research, and to his deep interest in literature, theatre, and other arts, which nourished his creativity and helped shape his poetics.
The project also aims to enhance Berio’s legacy as a teacher and intellectual through the analysis of his theoretical writings and the testimony of students and collaborators who had the good fortune to know him and work alongside him. With this tribute to Luciano Berio, we wish not only to remember a great composer but also to offer an opportunity for reflection on the role of music in contemporary society and on the challenges that await the creators of the future.
The event is organised by the Conservatorio di Musica Nino Rota in Monopoli (Puglia, Italy) and funded through the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme as a Short-term mobility project.
