First Music School in Sirmione Launches to Promote Lyric and Scenic Art
The first music school is born in Sirmione, thanks to an agreement between the Fondazione Lina Aimaro and the Municipal Administration. But first, a bit of history is needed. In her will, she had the notar J. Marco Pozzoli write that, after her death, a foundation should be established “whose patrimony consists of all my movable and immovable assets… with the aim of developing bel canto, lyric opera, and scenic art, as well as initiating young people into operatic music.” Lina Aimaro dictated these provisions on January 14, 1995, exactly five years before her death in a house in Desenzano on January 14, 2000.
The following February 16, the notary read the document to the interested parties at his office in via Cefalonia, Brescia. In fact, from that day, the Fondazione Lina Aimaro was established with its headquarters in via Solferino, Lugana, in the same complex that houses the Kursaal theater-dance hall, originally built to host lyric opera performances, later repurposed for fans of dance music. Last July, the foundation also issued an official statement indicating that, starting from the premise that “the primary purpose of the entity is the development of lyric, scenic art…”, it preannounced “the organization of events aimed at promoting musical, artistic, and literary culture.”
It also announced that Rino Volpi, a Sirmione native, 71 years old, music consultant, as well as critic and writer Michele Nocera, and cultural adviser Mario Arduino—another longtime mayor of the town—had been designated as the sole administrators in its testamentary provisions. While awaiting the transformation of the Lugana dance hall “temple” into a “boutique” theater where dance ballets or lyric performances can be enjoyed, a significant initiative takes shape: a music school.
According to the agreements reached between the foundation and the Municipality, the library will take care of this project. The lessons will be held in the rooms upstairs at the Kursaal. “The establishment of the music school,” say city officials, “arises from the need to provide a qualified and stimulating environment for those wishing to approach the world of the seven notes with the goal of understanding and exploring it, without the risk of encountering a setting that is too exclusive.”
The aim of the future music factory is to create a group of students who find the motivation and opportunities to play with others, to learn more about music, and to socialize. There will be a preparatory course designed for young children aged 5 to 7, and another for children aged 8 and up, with music and singing lessons “to honor Lina Aimaro.” For more information, inquiries can be made at the Library or by calling 030.9909174.