The "Cantiere Internazionale dell'Arte" (International Arts Workshop) was originally conceived in 1976 by Hans Werner Henze, the great German composer who then served as the event's Artistic Director for many years. The "Cantiere" is still carried out according to its original formula in which professional performers work alongside students and enthusiastic amateurs to "construct" their performances. The local people are also involved, and work through local associations, cultural groups and the "Istituto di Musica" to contribute to the preparation and execution of the event