La Conservatory of Italian Switzerland Foundation has published its 2025 Annual Report, a document over 80 pages long that captures the institution's activities through data, statistics, results, and future prospects. The volume recounts the work of the Conservatory's three departments—the School of Music, Pre-College, and Graduate School of Music—highlighting a year marked by significant artistic, educational, and infrastructural achievements.
2025 marked a symbolic milestone in the institution's history, which celebrated the fortieth anniversary of its founding in 1985. Over the course of four decades, the Conservatory has transformed from a music academy into a leading institution at the cantonal and national levels, consolidating its presence in professional and pre-professional music education.
Conservatory of Italian Switzerland: a fortieth anniversary marked by music
The 40th anniversary celebrations played a central role in the Conservatory's cultural calendar. Among the highlights was the performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, performed by the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Diego Fasolis at the LAC. This was followed by the concert "Very Parisienne!", performed by the 900presente ensemble and subsequently performed beyond Ticino's borders.
The program of celebrations also included the fourth edition of Conservatorio in Festival, an event that accompanied the public through concerts, meetings, and activities dedicated to discovering the world of music, culminating with the celebratory concert on March 29th.
At the same time, the Conservatory has promoted the Focus Berio project, launched to mark the centenary of the composer Luciano Berio's birth and developed in collaboration with other local cultural organizations. More information is available at www.conservatorio.ch/focusberio.
The City of Music enters its operational phase
One of the most significant aspects of 2025 concerns the progress of the City of Music project, destined to change the face of musical education in Ticino in the coming years.
During the year, the Grand Council approved almost unanimously the cantonal funding required for the project, while the Lugano City Council issued the building permit without any appeals. Subsequently, the first tenders for the contract were launched and the administrative procedures required for construction were formalized.
According to the Foundation's president, Ina Piattini Pelloni, the future facility will not simply be a collection of buildings dedicated to music, but a place destined to develop through collaboration between the various musical organizations that will share its spaces, activities, and cultural goals.
Among the elements that contributed to the realization of the project was a donation of 15 million francs destined for the construction of the future Owen-Jones Hall, intended for rehearsals and concerts.
Musical education and talent promotion
Alongside its infrastructure development, the Conservatory continues to invest in the quality of its education. The report highlights the recognition achieved by its Pre-College department and the institution's increasingly important role in nurturing young musical talent.
The results achieved at the Swiss Youth Music Competition were particularly significant. Of the 19 prizes awarded to young people from Ticino, 18 went to students from the Conservatory's School of Music and Pre-College, including all eleven first prizes awarded in the competition.
The Pre-College program also confirmed its role as a transition to professional studies. In 2025, 45 students were enrolled, and of those who completed the program, nine passed the entrance exams for a university music school, seven of whom chose to continue their studies within the Conservatory's University School of Music.
Over a thousand students in the Music School
The School of Music's numbers confirm its widespread participation across the canton. In 2025, 1.029 students were enrolled across the schools in Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, and Mendrisio, as well as various branches. Approximately 700 hours of instruction were provided each week.
Individual instrument and composition lessons involved 932 students, while 655 participants took part in ensemble music activities, choirs, orchestras, and various ensembles. Piano continues to be the most popular instrument among students, followed by violin, guitar, and percussion.
Teaching activities also develop through a network of collaborations with cultural institutions, musical associations, and educational organizations active in Ticino, helping to strengthen the link between education and the local community.
An institution supported by public and private sectors
From an economic perspective, the report highlights growth in revenues from both public sources and private contributions. Operating revenues exceeded 13,4 million francs, while philanthropic support continues to be an important component in funding scholarships, social projects, and artistic activities.
During 2025, the Study Aid Fund raised 193 francs for students at the University of Music, while the Fund for Musical Inclusion continued to promote access to education for young people from less advantaged backgrounds.
Looking ahead to 2026
2026 will see the concrete launch of the City of Music and further developments in the educational offering. Among the new developments is the opening of the School of Music's new headquarters in Bellinzona, while the Conservatorio in Festival program has expanded to include information days and specific initiatives dedicated to individual departments.
After forty years of activity, the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana is currently undergoing a transformation that combines educational continuity, artistic growth, and structural investments. This transformation aims to further strengthen the role of music in the cultural and educational life of the Canton.
