Classical music can be heard at numerous concerts in historical surroundings, piano competitions and other performances
Also classical music has its well-earned place and numerous fans along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. The concert evenings, which often take place in the beautiful historical ambience of the local castles and residences, such as Ganda Castle in Appiano, are events that compete with the one or other festival highlight. Also the annual highlights such as the Busoni Piano Competition in Bolzano, the "Appiano Lied Summer" or the "Appiano Piano Academy" are highly frequented.
The history of the International Piano Competition Ferruccio Busoni dates back to 1949, when a prominent honorary committee listened to several piano players commemorating the anniversary of the death of the Italian piano player Busoni (1866 - 1924). The price, however, was awarded for the first time in 1952: In that year, 15 concerts were held and a prize money of 500,000 lira (about 260 Euros) was offered. Today, the competition attracts the best piano talents from all over the world and is widely known as a cultural meeting point. To complement this, the "Bolzano Festival Bozen" for international performers and promising young instrumentalists is held, and every two years the "Busoni Piano Festival" takes place, which presents international stars at the piano.
Also the event calendar of Appiano offers two classical highlights including the "Appiano Lied Summer" with its master courses, which are publicly accessible. The associated concerts take place in the Lanser House and the San Michele Cultural Hall, so that the young musicians learn to establish themselves in front of a public audience. The Lanser House, however, is also the venue for the annual "Appiano Piano Academy". Every year, world-famous piano players, conductors and piano teachers meet in Appiano. For the associated master course, six piano talents from all over the world are chosen from a wide range of highly and appropriately qualified applicants.
