Following an initial experience in 2024 where the Bottesini Association organized classroom sessions to introduce the double bass and the figure of Giovanni Bottesini, “Bottesini Educational” has been launched. This structured and ongoing initiative is aimed at local schools, with the goal of bringing students closer to music and local culture through educational activities, outreach meetings, and workshops – enhancing Crema’s cultural heritage and fostering the artistic growth of new generations.
2026 Project
Through “Bottesini Educational,” the Association intends to offer opportunities for in-depth study and active participation-engaging schools, young musicians, and citizens in an educational and cultural journey that promotes music as a tool for personal growth and social sharing.
The project is developed along two lines of intervention: a transversal action to introduce the double bass, curated by the Bottesini Association, and tailor-made projects for each school to make the students the protagonists of the Educational path.
In 2026, the initiative actively involves three educational institutions through three distinct lines of intervention, using an interdisciplinary approach that combines music, theater, and cultural dissemination.
The institutions involved in the 2026 program are:
IC Crema Tre “Nelson Mandela”
Fondazione Carlo Manziana
IC Falcone e Borsellino
The ongoing and transversal core of the project involves live classroom sessions with a young double bass player-designed to introduce students to the world of music in a concrete and engaging way. Through a direct and experiential approach, students have the opportunity to hear the deep and fascinating sound of the double bass and observe it up close-touching it firsthand and discovering its expressive potential.
The experience guides the students through the discovery of the instrument and its evolution, eventually weaving the narrative together with the figure of Giovanni Bottesini-the great double bass virtuoso and composer who stands as a symbol of our country’s musical excellence.
“The Youth Convention,” a meeting created by the students
Two classes from the Middle School of the “Crema Tre – Nelson Mandela” Comprehensive Institute will be involved in the design and execution of a convention dedicated to Bottesini, with the goal of telling the story of the composer’s life and work in a clear and engaging way.
An original tale for the little ones
Several classes from the Preschool and Primary School will be offered a reading of an original story designed for their age group. This will allow them to discover the life of Giovanni Bottesini, with the inclusion of audio tracks to make the experience even more immersive.
Theater workshop and public performance
All middle school classes at the “Fondazione Carlo Manziana” will participate in a theater workshop that will lead to the creation of a performance inspired by the figure and artistic journey of Bottesini-offering students the opportunity to explore the narrative and interpretive dimensions of music.
Following an initial performance reserved for the students’ families, the show will be opened to the general public in the spring of next year.
The theater workshop will be led by Teatroallosso-a theater company dedicated to theatrical, artistic, and cultural projects for children, youth, and general audiences. The Bottesini Association has previously collaborated with them to produce the show “Onda su Onda,” which was also dedicated to the life of Giovanni Bottesini.
Study of a piece by G. Bottesini and public performance by the students
The students from the music program at the “Falcone Borsellino” Comprehensive Institute will be involved in the performance of a piece by Bottesini.
The program’s teachers will produce an arrangement tailored to the instruments used and the skill level of the students. On the day of the performance, they will play alongside a young professional double bass player who will perform the solo parts.
This action is aimed at fostering a direct experience of musical practice and enhancing the historical repertoire of Crema.
