The IMA, Istituto di Musica Antica of the Milan Conservatory of Music, includes chairs and teaching in the historical-musical fields of the Renaissance, Baroque and pre-classical periods.
It has been present in the Conservatoire for some time, but has recently expanded greatly: currently, in the panorama of Italian Conservatoires, the Verdi in Milan is among those that offer the richest range of courses in early instruments. A number of ensemble music courses have also been activated, so that students can take advantage of different areas of expertise. Made new investments with the purchase of instruments, including a positive organ.
The students who win auditions take part in concert productions held both at the Conservatory and at prestigious external venues: Castello Sforzesco, Basilica di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Cenacolo di Santa Maria delle Grazie, Santa Francesca Romana, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Palazzo Arese Borromeo, Abbazia di Morimondo, etc.
Some of the Institute's students are part of the National Baroque Orchestra of the Italian Conservatories, others have performed and are performing concert-lessons at first and second grade high schools organised by the Conservatory.
The teachers of the IMA hold seminars on performance practice and lectures in the field of music history and musicology for the Conservatoire and other Higher Education Institutes; in addition to their teaching activities, they perform an intense concert and recording activity in Italy and abroad.
Not least, the Institute regularly invites internationally renowned lecturers to the Conservatory to hold master classes and seminars. Among others: Jordi Savall, Hopkinson Smith, Christophe Rousset, Nigel North, Enrico Baiano, Nicolas Achten, Xavier Diaz-Latorre.
Since 2022, the IMA Istituto di Musica Antica del Conservaotorio has been organising a concert series, ranging from the Renaissance to the late Baroque and featuring selected students.