The Masiero and Centanin Foundation and The Museum of Antique Pianos
The Musical Masiero and Centanin Foundation was established by the testamentary will of Giulia Centanin, a passionate lover of the Arts and Music in particular, and herself a painter and musician. She wanted her own name to be associated with that of her mother Maria Margherita Masiero, an excellent pianist. In addition to carrying out activities for the promotion of musical culture (Concerts, Musical Meetings, Music Learning Courses, Advanced Courses and Professional Training), the Foundation, in the buildings that housed the historic cellars of the "Orazio Masiero" winery, has set up the Museum of Antique Pianos "Bartolomeo Cristofori"and the Permanent Exhibition of instruments of the folk tradition. The Museum, officially recognized in 2009 by the Veneto Regional Council and enriched by numerous private donations, collects grand, table, upright and other unusual shaped instruments from the period between the late 18th and late 19th centuries by some of the most prestigious European makers. One section is devoted to specimens made in the Veneto region. The collection is presented together with a large series of prints of musical subjects (depicting portraits of musicians, musical instruments and scenes of music in general). The museum is open to the public for tours, guided tours with live performances, visits and seminars for students of music conservatories. An opportunity may be given to those who request it to play some instruments, in the presence of Museum staff. The instruments are regularly used at concerts organized by the Foundation and for recordings. The Exhibition of Traditional Folk Instruments, housed in the north building of the Villa Centanin complex, displays the most significant specimens from five continents. From mandolins to early accordions, zithers, accordions and guitars from Western countries, to exotic instruments from Asian and African cultures.
