Sergio Azzolini Masterclass

Master Baroque bassoon style-ornamentation, articulation, and expressive rhetoric for modern and historical instruments.

CREMONA 6-8 MAY 2026

The Masterclass
Sergio Azzolini Masterclass is an immersive Baroque repertoire masterclass for bassoonists playing either modern or historical instruments. Guided by renowned performer and teacher Sergio Azzolini, participants explore the stylistic language of Baroque music-articulation, phrasing, ornamentation, continuo awareness, and expressive rhetoric-while developing confident technique and musical character. The course bridges historically informed performance with practical, modern interpretative tools, helping players refine sound, timing, and stage communication. Ideal for students and professionals seeking deeper understanding of timeless repertoire and a more authentic, persuasive Baroque voice.

The masterclass is open to players of Baroque bassoons and modern bassoonists who wish to refine their Baroque repertoire.
It also offers modern bassoonists an opportunity to try their hand at playing the period instrument for the first time.
Sergio Azzolini
Born in Bolzano in 1967, Sergio Azzolini studied with Romano Santi and Klaus Thunemann in Hanover, where he was already solo bassoonist of the European Community Youth Orchestra. A prizewinner at major international competitions including the ARD, Prague Spring, and C.M. von Weber, he was also a longtime member of the Ma’alot Quintet.Alongside his career as a soloist on modern bassoon, he is deeply engaged in early music on historical instruments, collaborating with leading ensembles such as Concentus Musicus Wien, Accademia Bizantina, and Holland Baroque. He performs internationally as a soloist and director, and founded the baroque orchestra L’Onda Armonica.His numerous award-winning recordings include the complete Vivaldi Bassoon Concertos. Since 1987, he has taught bassoon and chamber music at leading European institutions.
Cremona
Cremona, located in northern Italy, is internationally renowned as the “City of Music,” especially for its centuries-old tradition of violin making. Home to legendary luthiers such as Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri, and Andrea Amati, the city continues to preserve and celebrate this craftsmanship. Cremona also hosts important musical institutions, festivals, and the Violin Museum, making it a vibrant center for both historical and contemporary music culture.
It can be reached by car or by train from Milan in about one hour, or from the airports of Milan and Bergamo.

Info

How to reach Cremona

Train: Direct trains from Milan Central Station. For further information: www.trenitalia.it Plane: The nearest airports are Milan (Linate and Malpensa) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (the main Ryanair airport in Italy).

Hotels and B&B

The centre of Cremona is small and largely pedestrianised, and everything is within easy walking distance. There aren’t many hotels, but there are plenty of B&Bs available to tourists. For further information: www.booking.com and www.airbnb.com

Costs

Full-time student: €350 Auditor student: €160 Interested students may send an email or complete the form below, providing their contact details and a brief CV with their chosen instrument (modern or Baroque).

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
For further information or to register, please email the following address:
masterclass.bdm@gmail.com

Please indicate whether you are interested in participating with a modern or a baroque instrument
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