Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

One of the world's oldest musical instutions, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia was established in 1585 as the Congregation of Musicians under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin, Saint Gregory and Saint Cecilia. Since its founding as a trade association for flourishing musicians in Rome, the academy has undergone significant changes; today, it houses an internationally recognized orchestra and chorus as well as an academic organization of 70 active and 30 honorary members that includes some of the most prominent Italian and international musicians. In addition, the academy serves as a center for excellent musical educational programming and preserves an international musical heritage that stretches back to the Italian Renaissance.