CELLO MASTERCLASS – 8th Edition
MARIO BRUNELLO – SAN GINESIO, 3–8 August 2026
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
info: masterclassbrunello@gmail.com
Application_form_masterclass_ITA_2026
Application_form_masterclass_ENG_2026
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mario Brunello will hold a masterclass from 3 to 8 August 2026 in San Ginesio, Marche, in the province of Macerata. The masterclass is part of the project “I Suoni dei Borghi”, promoted by the Pro Loco Association of San Ginesio and the Municipality of San Ginesio, with the support of the Marche Region. It was born from Mario Brunello’s innovative educational vision, where music meets the discovery of a territory deeply affected by the 2016 earthquake. The lessons will revolve around three key concepts that will guide an intensive week of study:
Method – how to practice
Form – how to play
Nature – as a source of inspiration
TWO TYPES OF MASTERCLASS
There are two different types of masterclass:
Advanced Masterclass
Availability: 3 places (or more at the discretion of Maestro Brunello)
Selected cellists will each receive 3 individual lessons, each lasting 1 hour and 30
minutes. Pianist Maria Semeraro will be present.
Total fee: €700
The fee includes:
• Individual lessons
• Full board and accommodation in a double room (from 2 to 8 August, 7 nights)
• Participation in all weekly activities• Concerts
• Full access to the complete educational experience
“9–99 Years” Masterclass
Open to participants of all ages and levels: students, professionals, and non-
professionals.
Total fee: €600
• The fee includes:
• 2 individual lessons with Mario Brunello (duration at the Maestro’s discretion)
• Chamber music sessions with Sanne de Graaf
• Full board and accommodation in a double room (from 2 to 8 August, 7 nights)
• Participation in all weekly activities
• Concerts
• Full access to the complete educational experience
CHAMBER MUSIC
All active participants have free access to chamber music lessons led by cellist Sanne de Graaf, assistant to Maestro Mario Brunello.
Lessons for the “9–99 Years” Masterclass will be based on Mario Brunello’s book “24 giorni di studio” (24 Days of Practice) (for those who do not already own it, copies will be available on site at a cost of €30).
Auditors are also welcome. Anyone wishing to attend as an auditor and receive further information may write to: masterclassbrunello@gmail.comMARIO BRUNELLO MASTERCLASS – APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
For the Advanced Masterclass
Admission is subject to selection based on video submission.
Applicants must provide:
• Standard application form (link below)
• Link to a video file of one or more performances (maximum 15 minutes,
repertoire of choice, excluding J. S. Bach)
• Short Curriculum Vitae (maximum 1 Word page)
• Copy of an identity document
• Bank transfer receipt for the first installment of €40.00 (non-refundable),
required to access the selection process
• List of the pieces intended to be performed during the masterclassFor the “9–99 Years” Masterclass
Applicants must provide:
• Standard application form (link below)
• Short Curriculum Vitae with a brief motivation letter (maximum 1 Word
page), indicating your favorite musical theme
• Copy of an identity document
• Bank transfer receipt for the first installment of €30.00 (non-refundable)
For both masterclasses
Bank transfer for deposit and final balance payable to PRO LOCO SAN GINESIO
Reason for payment: Masterclass Mario Brunello
IBAN IT 33A0538769141000042955210
The deadline for final payment, which must be completed before arrival in San Ginesio, will be communicated after the selection process.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday, 2 August
Arrival (recommended)
Monday, 3 August
“9–99 Years” Masterclass lessons
Tuesday, 4 August
Morning: Method – visit to an example of high local craftsmanship
Afternoon: Advanced Masterclass lessons
Wednesday, 5 AugustMorning: Form – visit to an example of the region’s artistic heritage
Afternoon: Advanced Masterclass lessons
Thursday, 6 August
Nature – nature excursion in the Sibillini Mountains
Friday, 7 August
Full day of Advanced Masterclass lessons
Saturday, 8 August
“9–99 Years” Masterclass lessons
Sunday, 9 August
Departure
CONCERTS
Monday, 3 August
Mario Brunello, cello
Thursday, 6 August
Small concert in the mountains
Friday, 7 August
Musical event with the chamber music group
Saturday, 8 August
Concert by the Advanced Masterclass cellists
ACCOMMODATION AND ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
The fee includes accommodation in a double room.Participants requesting single-room accommodation will be required to pay the difference between the shared-room fee and the total single-room cost. Participants will be hosted in facilities that will be communicated after the selection process. Each participant may be accompanied by one accompanying person only, to be declared at the time of application. Food and accommodation costs for accompanying persons will be at their own expense. The entire group, including participants from both masterclasses (and any registered accompanying persons or auditors), will take part in all activities throughout the duration of the project. Lessons will be held in the Auditorium of the Church of Sant’Agostino.
HOW TO REACH SAN GINESIO
San Ginesio is located within the Sibillini Mountains National Park, at an altitude of 700 meters. Awarded the Orange Flag, it is one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, and in 2021 it received the UNWTO Best Tourism Village Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Participants are encouraged to travel by car, which will be useful for the discovery routes around the area that form an integral part of the masterclass. https://www.sanginesioturismo.it/contatti/
By train / bus
The nearest railway station is Tolentino.
From there, take the bus to San Ginesio (stop: Porta Picena).
Bus timetables are available on the Autolinee Sasp website
(+39 0733 663137) or by consulting the official timetable table.By plane / ferry
The nearest airport is Ancona/Falconara Airport, approximately 90 km from the
village.
The nearest port is Ancona Port, approximately 80 km away.
(Links to official websites)
By car
From the A14 motorway, whether arriving from the north or south, take the Civitanova Marche exit and follow the SS77 to the Macerata Ovest–Sforzacosta exit.
From there, continue on the SP78 toward Passo San Ginesio.
Parking
Free parking is available in the parking area marked with the P symbol on the map, or in the adjacent high-quality camper parking area. The organizing body will contact admitted candidates indicating place and time. All details contained in this announcement may be subject to change due to unavoidable technical, artistic, organizational, health-related, and/or force majeure reasons. Any such changes will be promptly communicated to selected participants.
PROJECT TEAM
Annalisa Pavoni – Project Manager and General Director
Sanne de Graaf – Chamber Music Coordinator and Musical Assistant
Maria Semeraro – Pianist
Bianca Ottaviani – Organization and Logistics
Leonardo Damen – Social media managerImplementing organization details
Instagram: Masterclass Mario Brunello
Facebook: I Suoni dei Borghi
ADVANCED MASTERCLASS ALUMNI 2019–2025
2019
Filippo Boldrini • Luca Colardo • Mauro Paolo Monopoli
2020
Luca Giovannini • Enrico Mignani • Ettore Pagano
Joseph Reynolds
2021
Luca Giovannini • Ettore Pagano • Marina Pavani
2022Ettore Pagano • Margherita Succio • Eleonora Testa • Ella Wimbiscus
2023
Luca Giovannini • Ettore Pagano • Maria Salvatori • Eleonora Testa
2024
Francesco Angelico • Davide Cellacchi • Lorenzo Lomartire
Ettore Pagano • Maria Salvatori • Eleonora Testa
2025
Francesco Angelico • Stefano Bruno • Paolo Tedesco
Eleonora Testa
