Clazz International Music Festival

A festival between classical and jazz in the heart of Tuscany

The Clazz International Music Festival is one of the most original international musical events in Tuscany. Its name comes from the fusion of the words classical and jazz: a statement of intent that summarizes the soul of the festival, dedicated to the encounter between the great classical tradition and jazz improvisation. Since 2016, the event has made its home in Arcidosso, a charming medieval village perched on the slopes of Mount Amiata, in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma.

Two weeks of music in Arcidosso

For about two weeks, between July and August, the festival turns Arcidosso into an international musical crossroads. Over fifty musicians from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, China, Hong Kong, Estonia, and Italy gather in the Amiata village: about twenty internationally renowned teachers and thirty selected young talents. The days alternate between private lessons, chamber music rehearsals, jazz combos and orchestra sessions, masterclasses, and informal outdoor performances, while the evenings are dedicated to concerts open to the public.

The Teatro degli Unanimi and other venues

The beating heart of the festival is the Teatro degli Unanimi, built in 1741 and considered the oldest theater in the province of Grosseto, located next to the Aldobrandeschi castle of Arcidosso. The theater concerts are complemented by events in other local venues, such as the church of San Leonardo, and musical moments spread throughout the historic center, allowing music to be felt in every corner of the town.

An educational and international mission

More than just a concert series, Clazz is an authentic summer academy. Born to offer classically trained musicians the chance to approach jazz and improvisation, it has gradually expanded its offerings to include an entirely classical track. The teachers, active in voice, strings, woodwinds, piano, percussion, dance, and composition, guide students through a high-level training experience that culminates in evening concerts where masters and students perform side by side.

Arcidosso and Mount Amiata

Attending Clazz also means discovering Arcidosso and Mount Amiata, the highest mountain in southern Tuscany. The village, with its castle, medieval alleys, and views over the Maremma, offers an ideal setting for those seeking quality music away from the crowds. The festival program traditionally includes excursions in the surroundings, such as a visit to Siena and a day at the seaside in Castiglione della Pescaia, combining music with the discovery of the Tuscan territory.