Montepulciano International Art Workshop
The multidisciplinary festival founded by Hans Werner Henze in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana
About International Art Workshop
A cultural utopia on the edge of Tuscany
The International Art Workshop (Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte) was born in 1976 from the vision of German composer Hans Werner Henze. He wanted to create more than just a festival in Montepulciano; he envisioned a true laboratory (the "cantiere" or workshop) where artistic creation was shared with the local population. For nearly fifty years, this Renaissance town perched in the hills of the Sienese Valdichiana, in the province of Siena, has hosted a unique experience in the European landscape, where there is no clear divide between great masters and young performers, or between the stage and the citizenry.
A multidisciplinary festival
The program weaves together symphonic and chamber music, opera, musical theatre, dance, and installations, with a strong focus on new productions: the Workshop is renowned for the number of world premieres it commissions each year from both Italian and international composers. Alongside evening performances, the festival offers more informal moments, such as morning concerts in historic cafés, events in local wine cellars and churches, and symposia reflecting on contemporary art.
Performance venues
The heart of the event is the Teatro Poliziano, an 18th-century jewel of Montepulciano, but events spread throughout the historic centre and into neighbouring municipalities:
- the Temple of San Biagio, a Renaissance masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, hosting major symphonic concerts;
- the scenic Piazza Grande, set up for operatic productions;
- the Cloister of Sant'Agnese, the Fortress, the Church of the Grazie, and other spaces in the Valdichiana such as the Castle of Sarteano.
Training and community
Beyond the summer festival, the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte Foundation manages the Music Institute named after H. W. Henze and the Teatro Poliziano season, confirming the dual soul—artistic production and advanced training—that has always distinguished this institution. For the audience, attending the Workshop means experiencing the less-touristy side of Tuscany, filled with hilltop villages, Nobile wine, and rolling landscapes, all accompanied by world-class programming.
International Art Workshop — edition 2026
The 51st edition of the International Art Workshop takes place from July 17 to August 2, 2026, and is dedicated to the centenary of the birth of Hans Werner Henze, the German composer who founded the event in 1976. The artistic direction is entrusted to pianist Mariangela Vacatello. The program confirms the festival's dedication to new productions, featuring numerous world premieres and a lineup that weaves together symphonic music, opera, dance, and musical theatre between Montepulciano and the villages of the Sienese Valdichiana, in the province of Siena.
Programme International Art Workshop 2026
July 17 — Inauguration
Inaugural concert with the Alps Symphony Orchestra, soprano Marily Santoro, and conducted by Markus Stenz.
July 18 — Opera
"Don Quixote of La Mancha", directed by Michael Dissmeier and conducted by Marco Angius.
July 25 — Dance
Premiere of the choreographic creation "Corto//Circuit" in Piazza Grande.
Other highlights of the program
- "Amadeus and the Virtuosos", a cycle dedicated to Mozart's piano concertos;
- three scenic cantatas gathered under the title "Universal Alphabets";
- a total of 24 world premieres, with compositions by Fabio Massimo Capogrosso and young authors from the Paris Conservatory.
Performers and conductors
Announced soloists include: Enrico Bronzi, Alessandro Carbonare, Ettore Pagano, Jin Ju, and Bing Bing Li. On the podium, conductors Markus Stenz, Marco Angius, Giovanni Guzzo, and Alessandro Bonato will alternate. Six orchestras and ten conservatories and academies are participating, including the Paris Conservatory and the Accademia Chigiana of Siena.
Venues
Temple of San Biagio, Teatro Poliziano, Piazza Grande, Cloister of Sant'Agnese, Fortress, Church of the Grazie in Montepulciano, and the Castle of Sarteano.
Highlights International Art Workshop 2026
Prices International Art Workshop 2026
Practical information — International Art Workshop
Getting there
Montepulciano is located in the Sienese Valdichiana, in Tuscany. By car: take the A1 motorway, exit at Valdichiana (Bettolle-Sinalunga), then follow signs for Montepulciano. By train: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station on the Rome-Florence line, with connecting buses to the historic centre.
Tickets
The box office is managed by the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte Foundation; rates and presales are published on the official website fondazionecantiere.it/biglietteria.
Contacts
Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte, Via Fiorenzuola Vecchia 5, Montepulciano (SI). Tel. +39 0578 757007 — [email protected].
Tips
The historic centre is hilly and partially pedestrianised: wear comfortable shoes. Book your accommodation in advance, as the Valdichiana is very popular in July.
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Where does it take place — International Art Workshop
Teatro Poliziano e luoghi storici di Montepulciano
Via Fiorenzuola Vecchia, 5, 53045 Montepulciano