The idea of creating an association, which dedicates itself to artistic development as an integral part of human spiritual growth, was founded in 1987 by Gustav Kuhn, during the time when he was musical director of the Opera in Rome. The idea was that the associations members should channel their knowledge and experience towards educating artists in a humane, cultured and professional environment. Artists should be supported and strengthened so that they can establish themselves based on their own merits, regardless of the mechanisms of modern day business.

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The Accademia di Montegral, which was founded in 1992 by Gustav Kuhn, is the manifestation of these ideas. The artistic centre of the Accademia, Convento dell’Angelo, is an impressive monastery built by the Padri Passionisti, which is embedded in the hills surrounding Lucca in Tuscany. The Convento, as it is affectionately called, houses the work of singers, instrumentalists, composers, artistic directors, stage directors and set designers

Artists are often confronted with considerable obstacles: they have to maintain themselves within a paralysed bureaucracy, which is manipulated by political interests and increasingly determined by the cold logic of the market. Audiences are often subjected to forced careers of either premature or overestimated artists. This leads to an overall decline in the quality of both performances as well as personal standards of artists, which in turn leads to a continual lack of interest in the art form. In an attempt to deal with this situation, the Accademia has developed a concept made up of a two-step training programme:

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Step 1. Preparation. The artistic seat of the Accademia, Convento dell Angelo, offers the artists a pleasant and peaceful environment in which the artists can concentrate on their work. Under the direction of Maestro Gustav Kuhn, his assistants and other professionals, the artists can perfect their technique and undertake an intensive study of their art. In the case of singers, there is special concentration upon stage presence. The library in the convent offers a large number of texts on history, philosophy, theology, literature and has an expanding music collection. At all times artists can receive advice regarding personal, artistic and professional issues.

Step 2. Practice. As of a certain point in the artists development the artist has the opportunity to be involved in one of the various international projects, thus creating lied and oratorium programmes (singers), chamber and solo programmes (orchestral musicians and pianists) as well as contributions to the visual arts (set and lighting designers). The devising and presentation of special programmes for schools, improvisation and music therapy (Lindner instrumentarium) are also an integral part of its work.

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Step 3. Career. The Accademia should not be confused with an agency. In order to achieve its cultural aims the Accademia collaborates with many agencies worldwide but its main concern remains the all round training of the artist, not simply their “placement”. In order to utilize the many benefits and participate in the artistic projects of the Accademia, members are required to be active and believe in its artistic and cultural goals.

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