The Cantiere is founded upon the following principles:

1) At the heart of all our cultural programmes lies communication and the commitment to trying out and evolving new forms of artistic communication. Montepulciano is a workshop for young artists (singers, actors, instrumentalists, directors, conductors, composers, set- and costume-designers etc.) which gives all participants every opportunity to learn and rehearse classical and contemporary scores and to experiment with traditional and new ways of making music. Traditional and new ways must also be sought to enhance the public’s capacity to listen to, to understand and better to appreciate music and the arts.

2) All the concerts and all the musical and theatrical events should be considered as an injection of energy as well as entertainment for the inhabitants of Montepulciano and the nearby towns, as much as for the tourists and music lovers who come from all over the world. It is the Festival’s intention that the creativity of all the young artists involved should inspire and even more importantly encourage younger generations of Poliziani (as the locals are known) to make the arts an integral part of their lives. Wherever possible, we aim to include talented members of the community in the artistic endeavour. Everyone involved in the Festival is invited to enter into this community spirit not only in the artistic context but also in his or her attitude and personal behaviour: all of us in Montepulciano are as much students as teachers.

3) Every Festival participant is a guest of the Comune di Montepulciano, and travel and housing expenses are fully covered. Two typically Tuscan meals a day are provided in an excellent canteen, run by local chefs. In order to foster the atmosphere of a true workshop and educational experience, whilst guaranteeing that the same hospitality is offered to everyone and in order to reinforce the spirit of friendship and cooperation, not one single fee is paid. The success - both artistically and morally - of the Cantiere over the years is precisely due to its being based upon this principle.

Anyone making the decision to participate in our Cantiere, or Workhsop, must take into account this system of collaboration. It must be clear that Montepulciano is not a commercial festival, but rather a socio-political and cultural event to be enjoyed.

Montepulciano, October 1989

HANS WERNER HENZE