The Festival dei Due mondi di Spoleto (Festival of the Two Worlds) runs over two weeks every summer, and features a range of music, dance, drama and visual arts events. For several years the Academy has collaborated with the Festival, where PhD students have taken part in projects and performances as part of the 'Music from Casa Menotti' series. These chamber music concerts, organised by the Monini Foundation and curated by Federico Mattia Papi, showcase young musicians and encourage cultural exchange between different musical institutions.
For the 2025 edition of the Festival's 'Music from Casa Menotti' series, an additional Academy recital was organised through our Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music Barbara Hannigan. Pianist Milda, who has just graduated and will begin her Master's degree in September, and Royal Academy Opera soprano Abigail, who had previously been coached by Barbara at the Academy, were selected for the project. They spent several days in Spoleto working with Barbara on the repertoire for their recital, which included works by Messiaen, Britten, Ravel and Claude Vivier. They then presented this programme in an intimate recital at the Casa Menotti.
On their experience in Spoleto, Milda and Abigail said: 'It was such an honour to be a part of this wonderful Festival, we had an incredible time in Spoleto these last few days. An enormous thank you to Barbara Hannigan, getting to develop this programme and learn from her has been truly life changing. It was really special to be around so many open, caring and creative people - this experience will stay with us forever.'
Milda and Abigail were also interviewed by Radio France Musique, along with Barbara, about their involvement in the Festival – listen to the programme here.
Following their recital, another Academy-related performance was given at Casa Menotti. As part of the ongoing partnership between the Festival and the Academy's Research Department, PhD student Liubov Ulybysheva presented a programme of solo cello music by lesser-known Austrian and Soviet composers.
Through projects such as this, the Academy helps talented young artists to expand their musical horizons and share their work and culture with others across the globe.
Images © Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi – Foto Alessio Vissani