Hans Werner Henze centennial celebrated with first Italian premieres at Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte

The 51st Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte in Montepulciano marked the 100th anniversary of composer Hans Werner Henze with several first‑Italian performances of his work. Highlights included the concert “Momenti d’Organo: Bach Reflections” at the Museo Civico Pinacoteca Crociani and a special program at the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore, featuring Bach and Ysaÿe pieces alongside Henze’s newly presented composition. In nearby Cetona, Quartetto Petra performed a mix of Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and a new piece by Gioele Pierro, while “The Knothole Hypothesis” showcased AI‑driven sound generation alongside traditional Chinese instruments.

The Chigiana International Festival in Siena also dedicated two concerts on 31 July to Henze’s centennial. Flautist Patrick Gallois headlined the first concert, and the second, titled “Amicizia!”, was a co‑production between the Accademia Chigiana and the Cantiere, featuring three world premieres created for the occasion. Together, the events highlighted Henze’s lasting influence and fostered collaborations between Italian music institutions.