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A week of sharing, meeting, seminars, advanced training, masterclasses, study sessions, and discussion.

2026 Theme: The Planets

26th July - 1st August 2026

The Brass Forum is a week of meeting and sharing for brass and percussion players, limited in number, with participants from all over the world, held in Italy, Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. The week includes study sessions, rehearsals, sharing, individual lessons, discussions on current topics, and public performances.

Participants in the Brass Forum are invited by the Artistic Director or introduced by their collaborators.
There is also the opportunity for emerging young professionals to participate in the Brass Forum through annual online auditions open to all nationalities.

Masterclasses

During the Brass Forum, special masterclasses on instrument performance, theory, medicine, and other fundamental aspects for the musician in 2026 will be organized. Starting in 2026, a collaboration with “Philharmonic Brass” Vienna for instrumental masterclasses will begin.

Cultural Moments and Visits

The week will feature cultural moments, including guided visits to the most relevant cultural sites in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

Concerts

The Brass Forum concludes with the public performances of a large brass ensemble of 35–50 members, directed and coordinated by the Artistic Director Ottaviano Cristofoli.

The 2026 “ Brass forum”

The 2026 brass forum will take place in Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia between 26th July- 1st August

Program

Date

Main Activities

Key Times

July 26

Arrival, Registration, and Official Opening

Arrival by 11:00 AM / Opening 1:00 PM

July 27 – 29

Intensive Study, Advanced Training, and Cultural Visits

Ensemble Rehearsals, Masterclasses, and Coaching.

July 30 – August 1

Public Performances, Concert

Public exhibitions of the repertoire (The Planets).

August 2

Departure

Latest Check Out by 10:00 AM

Location

Seminario Interdiocesano di San Cromazio, Castellerio di Pagnacco
 


All rehearsals, lessons, and accommodation will take place in the Seminario structure.

Repertoire

The 2026 program for the Brass Forum performances will be:
“The Planets” by Gustav Holst, Arr. Roberts.

2026 Concerts

Venzone - 30th July 2026

A medieval jewel nestled in Friuli's Alpine charm.

Trieste - 31st July 2026

Where the sea opens the city to the world, and history lingers in cafés, stone façades and restless winds.

Udine - 1st August 2026

A city that watches calmly, made of arcades, open squares, and an intimate sense of everyday life.

Join Music System Italy 2026
Become a Brass Forum Member

Audition Now for a Unique Musical Experience in Italy

Who Are We Looking For?

Music System Italy is seeking young, talented, and passionate classical musicians to join our 2026 Artistic Residency & Festival in Udine, Italy.

We are looking for:

Instrumentalists specialized in brass instruments, with a strong technical foundation and expressive musicality. Young musicians aged over 18 from all over the world, eager to immerse themselves in a high-level artistic experience. Dedicated artists who want to refine their performance skills through intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and concerts together with renowned international musicians. Enthusiastic team players who thrive in an ensemble setting, embracing cultural diversity and collaborative music-making. Curious explorers eager to experience Italian culture, perform in historical and breathtaking venues, and act as ambassadors of classical music.  Aspiring professionals who wish to gain real orchestral experience, engage with master musicians, and build lasting international connections.

This is a fully funded opportunity for selected musicians, with all expenses covered except travel costs to Udine.

If you are a motivated, ambitious, and open-minded musician, this is your chance to be part of one of Europe’s most exciting cultural exchange programs.

Apply now and let your talent shine on the international stage.

Early information

  • Audition opens from 1st February to 1st March 2026
  • Results will be communicated to every applicant by 15th March 2026

Date

Event

February 1

Audition Opens

March 1

Audition Deadline

March 15

Audition Outcome Announced

April 15

Registration Due

No application or audition fees are required.

Full participation costs are covered, including accommodation and meals. Selected musicians will only need to cover their travel expenses to reach Udine, Italy.

  1. Review Audition Requirements: Carefully review the audition excerpts and other

    application requirements.

  2. Prepare and Record Your Audition: Record your audition in clear audio and video quality and upload it.

  3. Upload Your Audition Video and Materials: Submit your audition video along with any other required materials. Make sure all files meet the format and size guidelines.

  4. Complete the Application Form by March 1st, 2026: Complete the online application form with your details, making sure all information is accurate and up to date

RECORDING GUIDELINES

  • Perform all excerpts in one take, without accompaniment.

  • Video recordings are required.

  • Ensure that the video is of high quality.

  • Make sure your room is calm, quiet, and comfortable, with very little disturbance from the outside world.

  • Dress appropriately for the video. Strictly no shorts, singlets, slippers, pajamas, etc.

  • The recording should be uploaded to YouTube and published as an unlisted video.

  • Keep a copy of your video file until the results are announced.

    RECORDING ON SMARTPHONES / TABLETS

  • A smartphone with built-in microphones and a camera is a good place to start.

  • You should use your phone’s back camera (not the selfie camera).

  • Record in landscape mode and ensure the microphone is not covered while recording.

  • Ensure you have enough storage on your phone/device.

  • Put your phone in Airplane Mode or Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruption during the recording process.

RIGHT BEFORE YOUR SUBMISSION

  • Ensure that your video recording meets all requirements.

  • Watch and listen to your video recording before submitting it.

  • Please be aware that large files may take a long time to upload.

  • Submit early. Your upload may be delayed depending on your internet connection.

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

    AFTER YOUR SUBMISSION

    An email confirmation will be sent to your inbox. You will receive emails from Music System Italy team. The results of the auditions and seating placement will be announced by March 15th 2026.

Udine, located in the northeastern part of Italy, is accessible by air, train, and car. Here’s how you can reach Udine using these modes of transportation:

By Plane:

While Udine doesn’t have its own airport, several nearby airports offer convenient access:

  1. Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS): Approximately 40 km from Udine, this is the closest airport. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Udine, with the journey lasting about 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus services operated by TPL FVG (line 51) connect the airport to Udine in approximately 45 minutes. 

  2. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Located about 120 km from Udine, Venice’s main airport offers extensive international connections. To reach Udine, take a bus (ATVO Fly Bus or ACTV bus number 15) from the airport to Venezia Mestre railway station, a journey of about 20-30 minutes. From there, trains to Udine depart almost hourly, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. 

  3. Treviso Airport (TSF): Roughly 110 km from Udine, this airport is another option. A public bus (number 6) connects the airport to Treviso railway station in about 15-20 minutes. From Treviso, trains to Udine take approximately 1.5 hours. 

By Train:

Udine is well-connected by rail:

  • From Venice: Trains depart from Venezia Mestre railway station to Udine almost every hour, with a journey time of about 2 hours. 

  • From Trieste: Direct trains from Trieste Centrale to Udine take approximately 1-1.5 hours.

  • From Treviso: Trains from Treviso Centrale to Udine take about 1.5 hours.

For schedules and ticket bookings, visit the Trenitalia website.

By Car:

Udine is accessible via major highways:

  • From the North (Austria): Take the A23 motorway southbound directly to Udine.

  • From the West (Venice): Use the A4 motorway towards Trieste, then merge onto the A23 towards Udine.

  • From the East (Slovenia): Enter Italy via the A34 motorway, then take the A4 towards Venice and merge onto the A23 to Udine.

For detailed driving directions, consult a GPS navigation system or online mapping service.

Please note that travel times may vary based on schedules and traffic conditions. It’s advisable to check the latest timetables and road statuses before your journey.

Audition Repertoire

All required orchestral excerpts must be performed without cuts between them, unless otherwise noted.


Concerto / Solo (Unaccompanied):

1st movement exposition of Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3 or No. 4.

Orchestral Excerpts:

  1. Brahms: Symphony No. 3; 3rd mvt., mm. 98-110 (reh. F through 12 after F) (1st Horn)

  2. Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; 1st mvt., mm. 86-110 (1st Horn)

  3. Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; 3rd mvt., Trio, beginning through beat one of bar 31 (2nd low C) (2nd Horn)

  4. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; 1st mvt., 3 after rhl. 17 to first bar of rhl. 21 (1st Horn)

  5. R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben; mm. 1-17 (1st Horn)

NOTE: FOR 2026 edition CORNET might be required. If you don’t own a cornet we might

be able to provide one.

Concerto / Solo (Unaccompanied):

First movement of a Concerto (unaccompanied).

Orchestral Excerpts:

  1. Mussorgsky: “Pictures at an Exhibition”; Promenade solo

  2. Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; 2nd mvt., mm. 90-120 AND 5th mvt., mm. 211-254 (1st Trumpet)

  3. Stravinsky: Petrushka (1946); Ballerina’s dance, 4 bars after rhl. 134 to rhl. 139

  4. Mahler: Symphony No. 5; 1st mvt., mm. 1-24, AND 1 bar before rhl. 13 to rhl. 14

  5. Respighi: “Pini di Roma”; 2nd mvt., 8 after rhl. 10 to 10 before rhl. 11 (offstage solo)

Concerto / Solo (Unaccompanied):

1st movement of F. David: Concertino, Op. 4.

Orchestral Excerpts (Exact order required):

  1. Rossini: “William Tell” Overture; mm. 92-131

  2. Mozart: “Requiem”; Tuba mirum solo

  3. Mahler: Symphony No. 3; 1st mvt., mm. 166-209

  4. Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3, Mvt 1, rhl. Q to 2 bars before rhl. R

  5. Ravel: “Bolero”; rhl. 10-rhl. 11

  6. Wagner: “The Ride of the Valkyries” (both B minor and B major phrases)

Concerto / Solo (Unaccompanied):
 


Sachse: Concertino in F major.

Orchestral Excerpts (Exact order required):

  1. Haydn: “The Creation”; No. 26, complete

  2. Schumann: Symphony No. 3, Mvt. 4, mm. 1-18

  3. Kodaly: “Hary Janos” Suite; 4th mvt., 5 after ‘Poco meno mosso’ (rhl. 5) to 10 after rhl. 6

  4. Wagner: Das Rheingold, last 15 bars (Trombone IV)

Concerto / Solo (Unaccompanied):

1st movement of Vaughan Williams Concerto.

Orchestral Excerpts (Exact order required):

  1. Berlioz: “Symphonie Fantastique”; 5th mvt., mm. 127-147 AND 480 to the end

  2. Respighi: “Fontane di Roma”; rhl. 11-rhl. 16

  3. Wagner: Prelude to “Die Meistersinger”; mm. 158-188

For the following instruments, the requirement is flexible to demonstrate ability and tone across different styles. No accompaniment is necessary.

  • Euphonium: Either: Pantomime – Philip Sparke or Pulcinella – Philip Sparke

  • Baritone: Please prepare either Rhapsody (for B flat baritone) – Philip Sparke or

    Scaramouche – Philip Sparke

  • Tenor Horn: Please prepare two contrasting pieces (e.g., etudes, solo works, or movements from sonatas/concerti) that demonstrate your playing ability and tone.

NOTE: The timpani part is optional; applicants may choose to apply with percussion only. The timpani part may be recorded separately.
Exact order required, no cuts between, S.D. through Cymbals. 

Timpani (Orchestral excerpts): 

  • E. Keune : Schlaginstrumente Pauken; Nr.142 “Tempo di Valse” 
  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 9; 1st mvt., 18 bars before S to the end  
  • Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; 4th mvt., mm. 42-50 
  •  

Percussion (Etude and Orchestral excerpts):
Snare Drum: 

  • H. Knauer : Kleine Trommel Etude; Nr.7 (6/8) 
  • Prokofiev: “Lieutenant Kije”; 1st mvt., reh. 1 to 2, reh. 8 to 1bar after reh.9 and reh.13 to the end

 Xylophone:

  • Shostakovich: Symphony No.5; 2nd mvt., reh. 69 to 1bar after reh.70; 3rd mvt., reh. 89 to 90 *This excerpt will be provided upon request if it is difficult to obtain.
  • Britten: “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”; Variation M (starting 28 bars after the beginning of the variation): Xylophone solo, 5 bars

Glockenspiel: 

  • Dukas: L’apprenti sorcier; 4bars after reh.17 to 4bars after 19

Cymbals: 

  • Tchaikovsky : Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy; E to 12 measures after E 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please contact us directly.

Yes, except for the flights or trains from your home to Udine. Costs for invited artists may be negotiated otherwise. You are required to reach Udine on your own; after that, MSI will take care of everything.

There is no registration fee.

Yes, we encourage you to apply! By the time the audition results are announced, you should have enough information to make a final decision.

In the case of international participants, Tubas or other instruments can be arranged.
 Percussions will be anyway provided

There might be scholarships available in special cases.

You are required to reach Udine on the morning of July 26, 2026. Alternatively, you may reach the location directly: Seminario Interdiocesano di San Cromazio, in Pagnacco, by 1:00 PM on the same day.

For overseas partecipants, arriving a day early can be possible, please contact us directly. 


Of course you’re free to reach anywhere after the last concert on the 1st or the morning of 2nd.

Please note: our facilities dictates a mandatory check out on the morning of the 2nd of August.

We encourage you to prepare your preferred materials (study, etude, concerto) for the individual lesson.

Yes, you can get lessons from all the Guest Artists.

Yes ideally everybody will be able to play at the masterclasses.

No, memorization is not required unless you personally wish to perform from memory.

English is the official language, including rehearsals, workshops, and other activities.

Yes, we can provide you with an official letter. 

Detailed schedules will be released closer to the festival. In the meantime, please send an email to us.

Everyone involved in the festival, including artists, faculty, and management, is covered by insurance.

Yes, if you require one.

The minimum age required for auditioning is 18 of age.

in some special cases there might be exceptions.

The festival welcomes parents and guardians for this participants. A separate registration fee applies. Send us an email.

First, please check your spam/junk box.  Finally, please message us directly.

Apply now!

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