ARCO - Art, Research & Creation Opus

The goal of ARCO is to encourage, raise awareness of and further develop encounters and reflections on French and Austrian culture, with the focus of contemporary music and composition. Part of this mission is fulfilled through a study and coaching format that promotes selected compositions and concepts, with this work being complemented by concerts, discussion forums, productions and social media. In this way, ARCO continues the tradition of Franco-Austrian kinship that was borne out by Stefan Zweig, Peter Handke, Romain Rolland, Robert Musil and many others.

The Academy unites two outstanding institutions: the GMEM in Marseille, in the immediate vicinity of the world-renowned Festival in Aix-en-Provence, and the Mozarteum University, in close proximity to the Salzburg Festival. The Academy takes place alternately in Marseille and Salzburg. Since 2019, a cooperation with the two major festivals has gradually been growing and becoming ever more established. The target group of talented, committed and advanced students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) is challenged to engage with topics such as cultural responsibility, innovation, artistic freedom, individual and society, and Europe 4.0. The ARCO project is also supported by SACEM (Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music) and by Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne as well as other sponsors.

Every year, around 50 composers, teachers, instrumentalists, singers and conducting students from all over the world work together with the renowned French ensembles Les Métaboles, Ensemble Multilatérale and the Tana Quartet to realise world premieres of pieces composed especially for this occasion.