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NEWSLETTER FOR QUARTETS AND TRIOS #30
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NEWS FROM THE DQ WORLD, COMPETITIONS, MASTERCLASSES AND MORE
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The new year opens with a special meaning for Le Dimore del Quartetto: 2026 marks ten years of activity. A journey built together with partners and supporters, and above all with hundreds of ensembles that, at different moments, have been part of our network, helping to shape it.
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Some of you have joined us recently, others have been walking alongside us for years: this newsletter is dedicated to all of you. The months ahead will be an opportunity to meet again, share new opportunities, and celebrate a journey that continues—made of music, exchange, and new encounters.
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Le Dimore del Quartetto team
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DISCOVER THE MAP OF ATELIERS
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The String Circle is a widespread collection of contemporary lutherie that connects award-winning master luthiers and bowmakers with the new generation of musicians. Through this network, the musicians of Le Dimore del Quartetto can access high-quality string instruments and bows on free loan, along with professional maintenance and support services.
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Looking for an instrument on loan? Would you like to play a full string quartet set by the same luthier? Explore The String Circle interactive map to discover the ateliers and instruments available, and contact us to be connected with the right luthier for you.
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DISCOVER WHAT'S HAPPENING ON MERITA PLATFORM
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Stay connected with MERITA through its quarterly newsletter, featuring updates on new projects, events, and opportunities across the platform.
A space to discover stories, collaborations, and ideas shaping the MERITA network: sign up to follow what’s next.
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Le Dimore del Quartetto has partnered with CampusX, a network of university campuses and hospitality facilities comprising 13 urban resorts across Italy, providing modern, welcoming spaces for study and accommodation. Strategically located, these sites facilitate musicians’ travel and expand residential and concert opportunities in dynamic, well-connected contexts.
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In cities where there is a high demand for residencies, masterclasses, and concerts, such as Milan, Trieste, and Venice, Le Dimore del Quartetto has established collaborations with three CampusX locations, CXMilan | NOM, CXTrieste | Giulia, and CXVenice | Mestre, which complement the partner venues already providing hospitality to string quartets and trios.
In addition, the partnership allows members of our network to benefit from special rates and advantageous lodging conditions, even for personal travel outside of musical activities.
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USE THE DISCOUNT CODE: DIMOREDELQUARTETTO
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CALL FOR INDIVIDUAL MOBILITY 2025 - 2026
CULTURE MOVES EUROPE - INDIVIDUAL MOBILITY FOR ARTISTS
AND CULTURAL PROFESSIONALS
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Monthly deadlines: from October 31st, 2025 to April 30th, 2026
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The new Creative Europe call supports international artistic and cultural mobility, fostering exchange, collaborative creation, and the strengthening of transnational networks, with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and geographical and gender balance.
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Projects must take place in a country different from the applicant’s country of residence, in collaboration with an international partner, and address at least two of the following objectives: learn, create, explore, connect.
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Eligible applicants include adult artists and cultural professionals — individually or in groups of up to five people — residing in a country participating in the Creative Europe programme.
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Dates: July 12th - August 3rd, 2026
Application deadline: January 16th, 2026
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The Verbier Festival Academy selects a small number of outstanding young soloists and chamber ensembles, including trios and quartets, from around the world.
Invited artists take part in three weeks of intensive mentorship and coaching with an internationally renowned faculty, combining individual work and ensemble experience.
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CREATIVE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
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Dates: July 19th - August 3rd, 2026
Application deadline: January 16th, 2026
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The Programme supports imaginative, entrepreneurial young artists in developing original projects that rethink and expand the traditional concert experience.
Selected musicians receive focused one-to-one mentoring with Academy faculty and guests, with particular attention to projects engaging cultural heritage, social themes, and new artistic formats.
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Dates: July 12th - August 3rd, 2026
Application deadline: January 16th, 2026
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The Programme offers a unique opportunity to up to four emerging sound engineers to work alongside a professional recording team for the capture of audio/video productions throughout the Verbier Festival.
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July 26th - August 17th, 2026 | Napa, California (USA)
Application deadline: January 20th, 2026
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The 2026 Fellowship String Quartet Program offers a three-week residency in Napa Valley with intensive mentoring, performances, and community outreach. Fellows perform with festival artists, present their own recital, and develop presentation skills for diverse audiences. The program provides a stipend, travel reimbursement, housing, and local transportation.
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July 5th - 25th, 2026 | Lincoln Center, New York (USA)
Application deadline: February 1st, 2026
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Applications are open for an immersive three-week conservatory programme for high-school instrumentalists, composers and vocalists, held on Juilliard’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City.
Participants study with Juilliard faculty, alumni and guest artists through lessons, masterclasses, chamber music and performance opportunities. The programme also includes competitions, seminars, musical studies classes and off-campus visits to New York’s cultural institutions.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the website for eligibility and participation details.
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FONDAZIONE I TEATRI | LA CASA DEL QUARTETTO
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June 5th - 13th, 2026 | Reggio Emilia (Italy)
Application deadline: February 6th, 2026
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Fondazione I Teatri presents the sixth edition of Casa del Quartetto, an advanced artistic residency for young string quartets. Designed as a structured path of professional growth in view of the XIV “Premio Paolo Borciani” (2027), the residency is led by composer Francesco Filidei. The programme includes intensive work with the Diotima Quartet, masterclasses, rehearsals with composers, independent study and public concerts.
Four string quartets of any nationality will be admitted.
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YOUNG CLASSICAL ARTISTS TRUST
2026 AUDITIONS
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Application deadline: February 26th, 2026
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Founded in 1984, the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) supports outstanding young musicians at a crucial stage of their careers. Awardees benefit from a wide range of prizes, including professional management, digital and media support, and an international partnership with Concert Artists Guild in New York.
YCAT auditions will take place on March 26th in Germany and March 30th in the UK.
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MASTERCLASSES & ACADEMIES
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The masterclasses are listed in chronological order of application deadline
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PROQUARTET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
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ProQuartet has been providing professional training and support programmes for chamber music ensembles since 1987. The courses take place in Paris. The program includes a schedule of masterclasses, culminating in one or more concerts.
Pre-registration is required to participate.
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- March 2nd - 6th, 2026 | Günter Pichler - Alban Berg Quartett
- April 20th - 24th, 2026 | John Myerscough - Doric String Quartet
- June 1st - 5th, 2026 | Jan Talich - Talich Quartet, Michal Kaňka - Ex-Prajak Quartet, Talich Quartet
- July 1st - 3rd, 2026 | Annette Walther - Signum Quartet
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VIBRE! STRING QUARTET RESIDENCY 2026
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May 26th - June 3rd, 2026 | Bordeaux (France)
Application deadline: January 16th, 2026
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Quatuors à Bordeaux opens applications for its 2026 Residency, organised within the framework of the Vibre ! Festival.
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The residency offers young string quartets an intensive programme of masterclasses, professional development workshops, a recording session and artistic exchanges, guided by the Modigliani Quartet and invited guests.
Open to string quartets of all nationalities whose members are all under 35, the residency will select four ensembles.
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MASTERCLASS WITH MINNA PENSOLA
AND MOTUS QUARTET
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January 24th, 2026 | Wigmore Hall, London (England)
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Finnish violinist Minna Pensola, founding member of the Meta4 String Quartet and one of ECMA’s tutors, will work with the Motus Quartet in a masterclass presented as part of the ECMA Showcase, an opportunity to discover emerging ensembles shaped by the Academy’s long-standing tradition of chamber music excellence.
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LAKE DISTRICT EMERGING MUSICIANS PROGRAMME
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July 29th - August 9th, 2026 | Lake District (England)
Application deadline: February 1st, 2026
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Lake District Music offers string quartets the opportunity to take part in the 2026 Summer Festival, combining concerts, masterclasses, professional recordings and entrepreneurial training. Two quartets will be selected, with free accommodation and a £1,200 contribution toward festival expenses.
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The programme is open to quartets whose members are all under 30, have been working together for at least six months, and have studied or are studying at a UK institution; selection is based on video submissions followed by live auditions in London and Manchester.
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For any queries please contact Josh Hall (Production Coordinator): josh@ldsm.org.uk
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The academy was founded by Stefan Metz in 2001 and the artistic direction has been in the hands of Marc Danel, primarius of the Danel Quartet, since 2011. The NSKA offers a range of educational opportunities such as a two-year full-time education, masterclasses, concerts, and more.
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- January 30th - February 1st, 2026 | Shunske Sato
- February 14th - 17th, 2026 | John Myerscough & Ying Xue (Doric String Quartet)
- March 13th - 15th, 2026 | Gerhard Schulz (Alban Berg Quartett) & Simone Gramaglia (Quartetto di Cremona)
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STAUFFER MASTERCLASSES
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The Accademia Stauffer in Cremona offers exclusives masterclass programs, bringing together some of the most appreciated and influential artists and teachers of the international music scene.
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MASTERCLASS WITH PHILIP SETZER
May 28th - 30th, 2026
Application deadline: March 30th, 2026
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Violinist Philip Setzer (Emerson String Quartet), leads a masterclass primarily intended for established string quartets.
Subject to availability, already formed chamber music ensembles with piano may also be admitted.
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ADVANCED COURSE IN CHAMBER MUSIC FOR STRINGS AND PIANO WITH BRUNO GIURANNA AND ENRICO PACE
Application deadline: May 25th, 2026
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An advanced training programme focused on concert activity, aimed at pre-formed chamber ensembles, from trios to quintets. The course consists of ten monthly sessions, each lasting three days, of which two will be led by Enrico Pace, who will focus on the preparation of the artistic performance.
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ADVANCED PROGRAMME IN STRING QUARTET WITH QUARTETTO DI CREMONA
Application deadline: June 15th, 2026
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Guided by the Quartetto di Cremona, the Programme is a concert-oriented training path, designed for pre-established ensembles, deeply committed to pursuing a professional career. Its integrated structure combines the main lessons with a range of complementary activities.
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The Stauffer Foundation fully covers the tuition fees for the Academy’s courses,
exempting admitted students from any payment.
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TRONDHEIM INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC
ACADEMY 2026
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September 22nd - 27th, 2026 | Trondheim (Norway)
Application deadline: April 20th, 2026
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The 14th TICC Academy for Piano Trios offers an intensive experience for ensembles from around the world.
Led by Jens Elvekjær, Henninge Landaas, Marianne Thorsen, Paul Watkins and Dana Zemtsov, it combines masterclasses on the trios’ repertoire with chamber music sessions alongside the instructors.
Held during the Trondheim Chamber Music Festival, it also grants free access to the festival’s concerts.
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VIRTUOSO & BELCANTO FESTIVAL
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Lucca (Italy)
Application deadline: May 31st, 2026
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Applications are now open for Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival 2026, an international programme combining advanced training, performance and artistic exchange. All educational programmes are limited in number; once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be created, with the possibility to attend as auditors in case of availability.
For full details on the application process, please refer to the festival website.
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The competitions are listed in chronological order of application deadline
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VIENNA INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MUSIC COMPETITION
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Application deadline: January 22nd, 2026
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The 7th Vienna International Music Competition is an online competition open to music students and professionals of all nationalities and ages, with the selection process based entirely on video submissions.
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Outstanding participants are awarded with performances at the Musikverein in Vienna, cash prizes, music album productions, special awards, and international visibility.
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X INTERNATIONAL STASYS VAINIŪNAS
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES COMPETITION
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March 20th - 28th, 2026 | Vilnius (Lithuania)
Application deadline: February 1st, 2026
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The Stasys Vainiūnas International Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is open to ensembles whose average age does not exceed 35 years.
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Founded in 1989 as a national competition for young pianists and musicians, it gained international status in 1993 and has since become a key event for discovering and promoting emerging chamber music talents.
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The total prize fund is €32,500.
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Hong Kong
Application deadline: February 13th, 2026
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Applications are open for the Young Artist Audition, inviting Hong Kong–based string players and pianists born in 1996 or later, currently studying or recently graduated from a music conservatoire or equivalent institution.
The selection takes place in two stages, with an online video audition followed by live auditions in Hong Kong in May 2026.
Winners will be featured in local and international projects and perform solo recitals at Musicus Fest.
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Application deadline: February 14th, 2026
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The International Music Competition Berlin "Grand Prize Virtuoso" is open to musicians of all nationalities and ages. Participants are required to submit video materials for the jury audition.
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A selected group of winners will receive an invitation to perform at the prestigious Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie in Berlin on April 1st and 2nd, 2026.
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53rd FISCHOFF CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
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May 8th - 10th, 2026 | University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana (USA)
Application deadline: February 18th, 2026
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Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana (USA), the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has become the largest chamber music competition in the world and one of today’s most prestigious classical music prizes. Each spring, hundreds of ensembles apply to compete in the live rounds held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
Over $60,000 in prizes, along with professional development and performance opportunities, are awarded across four divisions during the three-day competition.
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75th ARD INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
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August 30th - September 18th, 2026 | Munich (Germany)
Application deadline: March 27th, 2026
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String quartets of any nationality can apply, provided the total age of the ensemble does not exceed 120 years and each member is between 17 and 35.
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The competition awards monetary prizes to the top three quartets, alongside additional special prizes including concerts, products and broadcast opportunities.
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FILIPPO NICOSIA AWARD 2026
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August 28th - 30th, 2026 | Villa Medici Giulini, Briosco (Italy)
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Open to string quartets, piano trios and piano ensembles, this competition stands out for its format: the competition day is preceded by two days of masterclasses with internationally renowned musicians.
Beyond the €5,000 prize, awards include a portrait in Archi Magazine, a debut recording with Da Vinci Publishing, and concert engagements with leading Italian institutions, with additional and special prizes to be announced.
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Plan your next residency to gather and study in a peaceful and inspiring landscape!
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CASTELLO RUSPOLI
Vignanello (Viterbo), Italy
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Built in the 9th century and transformed in the Renaissance, the Castle is closely linked to the Farnese, Marescotti and Ruspoli families. It is still the summer residence of the Ruspoli heirs, who preserve the castle and its historic garden.
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KAMBONES 1615
Naxos, Greece
Kambones 1615 is a Venetian towerhouse on Naxos, continuously inhabited for over 500 years and restored as a model of sustainable heritage preservation. Today it hosts guest stays and cultural activities, blending architecture, music, and community life.
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KLEIN LEEUWENHORST
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
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Klein Leeuwenhorst, in the seaside village of Noordwijk near Amsterdam, stands on an estate whose history dates back to a 13th-century Cistercian abbey and later to a celebrated 17th-century botanical garden. Rebuilt in the 19th century and restored after WWII, it is surrounded by woodlands, pastures, and tulip fields.
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Our partner ITSRIGHT is a collective management organization founded in 2010 to manage, in Italy and abroad, neighboring rights’ revenues due for any kind of public use of recorded music, in compliance with the Italian Copyright Law. Their mission is to ensure a global, competent and transparent way of collecting and distributing compensations due to performers, orchestra and chorus conductors, solo and orchestra musicians, artistic producers, record companies.
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ITSRIGHT provides high-standard services that guarantees musicians a transparent and efficient way to distribute their neighboring rights’ compensations.
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If you want to learn more about their activities, or would like to have a consultancy session to learn more about your rights, click the buton below or get in touch via info@itsright.it
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YOUR MUSIC IN OUR PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH
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Do you have any recording on Spotify that you wish to share with us? We would be happy to listen to your recordings and present your ensemble and your music in our monthly newsletter in the section "Playlist of the Month".
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Our artistic director, Simone Gramaglia, each month will select the playlists and add a brief presentation to it.
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