The Conservatory of Music "Domenico Cimarosa" in Avellino was established with strong determination in 1971-1972. The first director of the institution was M° Vincenzo Vitale and the position of president was held by Ettore Maggio.

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The very first building of the Conservatory was the stately Palazzo Caracciolo in the historical zone of Avellino,

near the Cathedral.

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Its structure was partly crumbling and it was suitable only to 200 students while there were 850 applications

submitted. Such interest had not been anticipated and some changes were made to guarantee the possibility

to study for everyone who applied. And since then the Conservatory became an important center of culture and arts for the whole province. 

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During the first years the Conservatory was managed by M° Aladino di Martino and after by M° Bruno Mazzotta. Two very artistic personalities who were capable of giving a strong impression of the Conservatory which drew an attention of national and international musical and cultural world.

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With the earthquake of 1980, Caracciolo building was almost destroyed and after it began the constant changes of location of the Conservatory. For a short time it was in the Institute of Art, located in Tuoro Cappuccini, soon after, it was transferred to the high school of F. Tedesco on via Fontanatetta, near the railway station. When finally the Government of the United States had donated money and built the current building in Piazza Castello.

 

Afterwards, the following directors of the Conservatory were M° Zigante , M° De Gregorio and M° Panariello. From 2005 to 2011, the direction remained under the guidance of M° Carmelo Columbro, while, from 2011 it was appointed to M ° Carmine Santaniello. Over the years a team of professional and prestigious teachers was created who by their artistic preparation have contributed, and still contribute, to giving a high quality teaching, organizing various concerts and performances.

 

Since 1971 the musical and concert activity continues to be prosperous and firm. The small school of music education become a strong institution that is a landmark for the city and an important milestone for the cultural development of Avellino.

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The current structure, built on two floors, looks like a real university campus by placing more than 50 soundproof classrooms for educational activities, a multimedia laboratory, the instruments room, a library, an auditorium of 400 seats with stage which can hold even large opera productions (the "orchestra pit" is electric), offices, the private parking, courtyards and spaces specifically dedicated to students. The "Cimarosa" also has its own imprint and a laboratory dedicated to music publishing. Over the past four years it has benefited from specific funding from the Ministry which have greatly enhanced the instrumental equipment and library collections.

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With the establishment of the AFAM, the Conservatory got the first steps into the international level and it has later on enabled the Erasmus program for mobility of students and staff training all around Europe. Now the Conservatory has a great number of partner institutions not only in Europe but there were agreements signed with the American and Chinese universities too. 

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To the available 131 classes there were added new university courses in Bachelor and Master studies, making the learning process more innovative and more adherent to contemporary musical needs, such as jazz music, electronic music, sound technology, the harpsichord, teaching, history of various disciplines, critical and analytical music and chamber music.

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In addition to an intense learning and training activities, the Conservatory "Cimarosa" of Avellino is paying a lot attention to artistic production and broadening of the musical repertoire. These activities give more opportunities for the students to express themselves in a creative ways (such as essays), as well as carrying out productions targeted to particular musical celebrations, projects of the various teachers, final concerts of seminars, conferences, publications and master classes.

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Since some years the Conservatory has introduced such projects as "Il Cimento dell’Armonia e dell’Invenzione" (dedicated to the repertoire of Baroque music), and "All’ombra del Castello" (summer outdoor music festival). Also, an important collaboration with the Theatre "Carlo Gesualdo" in Avellino when preparing for the season of symphonies and operas; and participation in many initiatives, not only in Campania but all around Italy too.  

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Other beneficial agreements were established with Teatro San Carlo di Napoli, Ravello Festival, Festival delle Ville Vesuviane and Leuciana Festival. Taking part in Expo-Scuola, a music training course named ‘700 Napoletano supported by the Region of Campania and the European Community and Progetto di Orientamento Nazionale funded by the Ministry of Education.

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Yet another important partnership became a reality with the Campania Region for the creation of the Politecnico delle Arti and finally, a new record has been reached as a unique Conservatory of Italy having the Athenaeum radio.