.
.
Experience an unforgettable week filled with culture, virtuosity, and Mediterranean charm in Ticino. The picturesque village of Ascona, located directly on the lake in Italian-speaking Switzerland, transforms in September into a vibrant stage for many outstanding musicians—including one of the world’s most distinguished musicians of our time: Maurice Steger. As part of the renowned music festival classicAscona (formerly Settimane Musicali di Ascona), this exceptional artist will showcase all his fascinating facets—you’ll have the chance to experience him up close no fewer than five times as a recorder player, soloist, lecturer, and conductor.
Embark on a musical journey and enjoy the Mediterranean flair of Ticino at these world-class events:
Overview of events featuring Maurice Steger
September 21, 2026 (7:30 p.m.) – Affetti & Plaisirs | 30 Anni Barocchisti
To mark the 30th anniversary of the ensemble I Barocchisti under the direction of Diego Fasolis, Maurice Steger—the “Paganini of the recorder”—unleashes the deep emotional nuances of Baroque masterpieces by Telemann, Vivaldi, and Bach.
Venue: Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, Ascona.
Tickets & Info: Find details directly at classicAscona Concert Overview.
September 22, 2026 (11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) – Bordei – Centovalli | Musica e piacere
An exclusive fusion of music and cuisine as part of the Terra d’Artisti series. Together with Daniele Caminiti (lute) and top chef Pietro Leemann, a total work of art for all the senses takes shape.
Location: Chiesetta di Bordei & Osteria Giardino, Bordei.
Tickets & Info: Bookable through the official Kulturticket shop.
September 22–27, 2026 – Ascona Baroque Academy
Description: As an internationally sought-after instructor, Steger leads this prestigious academy for young, professional musical talents, with this year’s focus on Naples. The master classes are open to the public and free of charge.
With Swiss recorder player Maurice Steger and the Zurich-based Baroque orchestra “Il Pomo d’Oro,” the event features proven experts in the interpretation and study of Baroque music. The course center will be established at one of the festival’s main venues, the “Collegio Papio Ascona” (a former monastery complex, now a middle school with a Renaissance church), as well as at the Emmaus Seminar Hotel in Losone, where ideal conditions are in place for public workshops, individual practice, Academy concerts, and meals. The Academy’s guiding principle is the development of an ensemble culture, which is practiced in the afternoons through orchestra rehearsals and playing in ensembles with mixed instrumentation and continuo players. In the mornings, high-quality instrumental instruction is offered through private lessons with the respective professor. Each participant receives four private lessons spread out over the week.
We are pleased to announce the active participants and congratulate all the young musicians on their admission to the Ascona Baroque Academy!
Recorder, Class of Prof. Maurice Steger (12): YuChin Su (TW) | YuWei Chen (TW) | Dilan Seibel (DE) | Britta Kähny (AT) | Jouhaina Haugel Lamtarrah (FR) | Jérémy Baroche (FR) | Erazem Žganjar (SI) | Isabella Zeitz (AT) | Marlon Schulz (DE) | Hassan Marzban (UK) | Jakob Schildhauer (CH) | Lorenzo Capucci (IT)
Violin, Zefira Valova’s class (7): Valentine Reynaud (CH) | Ángela Luis Rodríguez (ES) | Allegra Pastore (IT) | Dora Lapuste (DE) | Giovanni Melchiori (IT) | Wojciech Chmielewski(CH) | Ernesto Campagnaro (CH)
Viola, Class of Stefano Marcocchi (4): Kaja Zytynska (CH) | Alessia Pelizzari (IT) | Chiara Sartorato (IT) | Angel Munoz Vella (CH)
Cello, Ludovico Minasi’s class (6): Serena Fantini (IT) | Shira Pinkerfeld (CH) | Emma Vignier (CH) | Inés Iglesias Walch (BE) | Cristian Cianni (IT) | Andrea Alziati (IT)
Double bass, Vanni Moretto’s class (3): Anaïs Lauwaert (IT) | Matteo Mirri (IT) | Corrado Cristini (IT)
Location: Parkhotel Emmaus, Ascona.
Learn more: All information about the academy can be found on the Maurice Steger website.
September 26, 2026 (4:00 p.m.) – Next Generation V | Closing Concert I
The Academy’s first grand finale. Maurice Steger conducts the Academy’s Baroque orchestra together with the section leaders of Il Pomo d’Oro, bringing the rehearsed works to life.
Venue: Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, Ascona.
Tickets & Info: Free admission or event details via classicAscona Next Generation V.
September 27, 2026 (11:00 a.m.) – Next Generation VII | Concerto Finale II
The crowning achievement of Culture Week in Ticino. A spectacular second closing concert in which the young virtuoso talents of Next Generation demonstrate their full range of skills.
Venue: Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate, Arcegno.
Tickets & Info: Details and reservations at classicAscona Next Generation VII.
Treat yourself to this late-summer getaway filled with world-class classical music against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Maggiore!