"Terra degli Imperiali" International Music Competition

An international competition in the heart of Salento

The "Terra degli Imperiali" International Music Competition takes place annually in Francavilla Fontana, a key town in the Province of Brindisi, in the heart of Puglia. Established in 2009 by maestro Antonio Curto, pianist and director of the Francavilla Fontana City Music School, it is now one of the most established and well-attended music competitions in Southern Italy. The event is promoted by the local branch of A.Gi.Mus. (Youth Music Association), active in the city since 2017, and has become a landmark event for both young talents and established musicians.

Open to all ages, from four and up

The most distinctive feature of the competition is its extraordinary inclusivity regarding age: musicians and singers of all ages, starting from four years old, are welcome to participate. This approach makes it a highly inclusive and educational event, allowing young children taking their first steps, conservatory students, and seasoned concert performers to share the same stage in an atmosphere of healthy competition and artistic growth.

Competition categories

The competition is divided into numerous categories covering different genres and instruments:

• Classical and modern piano
• Classical and electric guitar
• Opera and modern singing
• Chamber music
• String and wind instruments
• Accordion and drums

Performances are evaluated by technical juries composed of professors and musicians of recognized national and international prestige.

Five days of music

The event spans approximately five days: auditions are held over four days at the Francavilla Fontana City Music School, while the closing ceremony and awards presentation take place at the Teatro Italia, featuring performances by youth orchestras from schools with specialized music curricula (SMIM). Winners receive certificates of merit and the opportunity to perform in concerts organized by the A.Gi.Mus. chapters in Francavilla Fontana, Rome, Arezzo, and Florence.

An event supported by institutions

The competition is promoted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education and Merit, with the support of the Francavilla Fontana municipal administration. Over the years, it has attracted hundreds of participants from all over Italy and abroad, confirming its status as a benchmark for fostering young musicians and spreading musical culture throughout the Salento and Puglia region.