Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

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. What began as a trade association for flourishing musicians in Rome is today the only Renaissance-era Italian institution to have transformed into a productive modern organization. Since its founding, the Accademia has undergone drastic changes, including an evolution during the post-World War II years, leading to its current modern structure. Today, the Accademia consists of an internationally recognized orchestra and chorus, as well as a corresponding academic organization of 70 active and 30 honorary members, including the some of the most prominent Italian and international musicians. In addition to performing concerts across the world, the Accademia is a center for excellent musical educational programming. Through its work, the Accademia promotes and preserves an international musical heritage that stretches all the way back to the Italian Renaissance.