From July 15 to September 2, 2024, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena hosted 18 young musicians from the Caribbean (1 from Barbados, 14 from Cuba, 2 from the Dominican Republic and 1 from Trinidad and Tobago), who took part in an advanced musical training program.
The participation of these artists was made possible thanks to the UNESCO program “Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity”, funded by the European Union and winner of the UN SIDS Partnerships Awards 2024. The initiative ensured free registration to one of the Academy’s courses and full coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for the selected musicians.
Initially envisaging a total of 10 scholarships, the initiative was so successful – both in terms of participation and candidates’ high level of artistic preparation – that it led UNESCO to increase the number of scholarships, to allow access to the courses of the Accademia Chigiana to 18 students (equally divided between male and female students).
The initiative “UNESCO Transcultura – Chigiana Advanced Music Program – Summer 2024” was created by the Accademia Chigiana, supported by UNESCO and the European Union, with the collaboration of the Embassy of Italy in Havana. The experience contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between Italy and Cuba and triggered a stimulating exchange between the two cultures.
As stated by the Artistic Director of the Accademia Chigiana, Nicola Sani, “UNESCO Transcultura – Chigiana Advanced Music Program – Summer 2024” strengthens the role played by the Sienese Academy as an international centre of high-level musical training and production, a place of meeting, cultural exchange and integration for young people from all over the world.”
