Thesaurus Musicae
The ancient music festival of the Gesualdo da Venosa Conservatory of Potenza
About Thesaurus Musicae
The Treasure of Ancient Music in Potenza
Thesaurus Musicae is the festival with which the "Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa" Conservatory of Music in Potenza brings the great masterpieces of the Baroque and Renaissance repertoire back to life every spring. Now in its eighteenth edition, the festival is a regular event for ancient music enthusiasts in the capital and the entire Province of Potenza.
Concerts in Historic Locations
The festival carefully selects its venues: from the "Dinu Adamesteanu" National Archaeological Museum, where music dialogues with the artifacts of ancient Lucania, to the historic churches and chapels in the center, such as the Chapel of the Celestini. It is in these intimate and charming spaces that the performances of the Gesualdo Ensemble and the young musicians of the Conservatory come to life.
Artistic Direction of Value
The programming, curated with philological attention by Maestro Cosimo Prontera, alternates the great names of European Baroque – Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Rameau – with lesser-known pieces and Italian composers to be rediscovered. Each concert is built around a theme, in a journey that combines musicological rigor and listening pleasure.
A Cultural Project for the Territory
More than just a review, Thesaurus Musicae is a project to enhance musical heritage that combines training, research, and dissemination, confirming the Conservatory's role as a cultural hub for the capital of Basilicata.
Thesaurus Musicae — edition 2026
The 18th edition of Thesaurus Musicae is structured into four weekly events, all on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM, from March 11 to April 1, 2026. The program, curated by Maestro Cosimo Prontera, ranges from Italian Baroque to Bach, highlighting the most evocative locations in Potenza.
Programme Thesaurus Musicae 2026
Wednesday, March 11 – "Dinu Adamesteanu" National Archaeological Museum, 8:00 PM
"An Italian and a Frenchman" – Gesualdo Orchestra conducted at the harpsichord by Cosimo Prontera, with music by Vivaldi and Rameau.
Wednesday, March 18 – Church of San Francesco, 8:00 PM
Homage to Johann Sebastian Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 1 BWV 1066, Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046, and Concerto for Two Violins in D minor BWV 1043, soloists Marco Salvato and Ivos Margoni.
Wednesday, March 25 – Chapel of the Celestini, 8:00 PM
"Pizzico: Sonatas and Concertos for Guitar between Baroque and Classicism" with the Gesualdo Trio (guitar, cello, harpsichord), music by Straube and Vivaldi.
Wednesday, April 1 – Church of San Michele, 8:00 PM
"The Harpsichord and Others": Gesualdo Ensemble with Massimo Berghella conducting and as harpsichord soloist, music by Mascitti and Bach (Concerto for Harpsichord BWV 1055).
Highlights Thesaurus Musicae 2026
Prices Thesaurus Musicae 2026
Practical information — Thesaurus Musicae
How to Get Here
The festival venues are located in the historic center of Potenza, reachable on foot or by escalators from the parking lots in the lower part of the city.
Tickets
Concerts are usually free or have a small admission fee; it is advisable to check the procedures on the Conservatory's website.
Where to Stay
Numerous accommodation facilities in the center of Potenza and its surroundings.
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Where does it take place — Thesaurus Musicae
Museo Archeologico Nazionale "Dinu Adamesteanu" e sedi del centro storico