presentation with the author David Ramos

Classically trained musician, David Erick Ramos has been playing the ocarina since 2006. He discovered the instrument through Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and has since built one of the largest platforms dedicated to the ocarina in the world. Through his YouTube channel, he has surpassed 100 million views with musical performances, tutorials, and educational content.

As an author, David wrote How to Play Ocarina, a comprehensive method designed to make the instrument accessible to beginners while maintaining a solid technical foundation. The book has become a key resource for students and teachers worldwide.

His upcoming publication, The Ocarina Through Time, is an ambitious illustrated historical volume documenting the evolution of the modern ocarina and the makers who shaped its development. Based on his personal collection and years of research, the book aims to preserve and organize the global history of the instrument for future generations.

Through his performances, teaching, writing, and digital content, David continues to promote clarity, historical rigor, and artistic growth within the ocarina community.

The OCALAB project is a high-level educational and cultural initiative organized by the Diapason Progetti Musicali APS Association of Budrio, created to celebrate the ocarina as the beating heart of local tradition. Through a playful and hands-on approach, the workshop aims to make the city’s iconic instrument accessible to children aged 9 to 11.

Participation is open to everyone and requires no prior musical experience, promoting an inclusive environment focused on the joy of discovering sound. Activities take place at the Budrio Municipal Auditorium, where the Association provides ocarinas on free loan to support learning and ensure an engaging experience.

Curated by Diapason Progetti Musicali APS

The guided tour of the Ocarina Museum in Budrio is the perfect cultural complement to the hands-on workshop, offering an in-depth experience for anyone wishing to discover the magic of this instrument. Designed to engage families and the wider community, the tour highlights the local historical heritage while passionately conveying the significance and evolution of the ocarina over time.

The visit unfolds as a journey through music and history, bringing the instrument’s origins to life through a highly interactive approach. Led by experts, the explanations avoid rigid theory in favor of an engaging method that sparks curiosity. A highlight of the one-hour tour is the live sound demonstration, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the ocarina’s musical nuances and versatility—a simple yet extraordinary object capable of transforming clay into pure melody.

Curated by Succede Solo a Bologna

The “Domenico Inzaghi” Civic Art Gallery in Budrio houses an extraordinary artistic treasure, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Vitale da Bologna, Dosso Dossi, Lavinia Fontana, and Giuseppe Maria Crespi. The heart of this collection dates back to 1824, thanks to the visionary donation of Captain Domenico Inzaghi, who left the community a vast selection of Emilian paintings from the 14th to the 19th century, enriched by a valuable collection of drawings and prints, including the famous works of Dürer.

What gives this collection even greater significance is its deep connection to the local territory, highlighted by its location in the prestigious Palazzo della Partecipanza of Budrio. This building is not just a museum space but a living symbol of a centuries-old institution rooted in the city’s agrarian and social identity. In this shared space, where art coexists with the historic Teatro Consorziale, the gallery stands as an emblem of Budrio’s cultural life, born from private generosity and preserved through collective pride.

The tour is offered in two time slots: 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

with Asaka Shirai and Luca Panetti

A sonic journey across centuries and continents: the workshop dedicated to the zither (chorded psaltery) reveals the secrets of an instrument with a fascinating history. Originating in Bavaria and spreading through Europe at the end of the 19th century, the zither found new life thanks to French Benedictine monks in the 1970s, eventually reaching Japan, where it gained extraordinary popularity thanks to the country’s rich musical culture.

In this session, participants will explore the construction methods and mechanical workings of the instrument. Under the guidance of Luca Panetti, an expert builder of organs and cetre since 1998, and with technical support from renowned performer Asaka Shirai, techniques of tuning and maintenance will be studied in depth.But it’s not just theory: the workshop will include presentations of various repertoires and plenty of hands-on experimentation with different models. Participants will have the chance to play, sing, and have fun together, discovering the energy of an instrument that, like the ocarina, unites distant traditions in a joyful atmosphere of shared music-making.

Workshop with
the Austrian maker Kurt Posch

The ocarina is an instrument as simple as it is complex, carrying a timeless charm. In this exclusive workshop, Austrian master Kurt Posch will share his invaluable experience as a self-taught maker, dedicated to crafting concert-quality instruments with pure sound and flawless tuning.

From classic Budrio-style ocarinas to more experimental models, each of Posch’s creations seeks the perfect balance between body and breath. All the instruments of the Tonpfiff quintet, which you’ll encounter among the Buskers, are his work—a testament to his craftsmanship that meets every musical need. During the session, Kurt will explain the technical challenges of ocarina making, from models with a high G (H) to experiments with double ocarinas and specialized mouthpieces for piccolo ocarinas.

A magical moment to discover the secrets of the perfect “mood” and to engage with a craftsman whose mission is the sharing of knowledge.

The workshop will last approximately one hour and will be interpreted in both English and Italian.

Curated by Succede Solo a Bologna

The Consortium Theatre of Budrio was founded in 1672 at the initiative of Paolo Sgargi, who had it built next to his home to respond to the strong passion of Budrio’s young people for theatre. Privately owned until 1802, it was later purchased by the Consorzio della Partecipanza of Budrio (from which the name “Consorziale” derives), which renovated it by adding three tiers of boxes supported by Doric columns, along with dressing rooms. The stage hosted comedies, tragedies, vocal and musical academies, and a wide variety of performances, including the famous Carnival balls.

After overcoming the challenges of World War I and undergoing a grand reconstruction in the 1920s, the theatre came under municipal management, becoming a prestigious stage for world-renowned icons such as Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci, and Giorgio Gaber.

Today, with prose, operetta, dialect theatre, and concerts, the Consorziale continues to shape Budrio’s cultural life, blending historical charm with a high-quality contemporary program. Each season features a rich variety of events, including theatre productions, concerts, operettas, comedy, performances for children, and art exhibitions in the foyer.

Conferenza

The ocarina was born in Italy. It has travelled all over the world, even crossing oceans.

In this special session, we will have the privilege of listening to the highly experienced musician Eduardo Ghelli on a journey of discovery of the ocarina and its diffusion in South America.

Born in Cordoba, Argentina, but the great-grandson of immigrants from Budrio, he has maintained a deep connection with the musical traditions associated with the ocarina. In fact, he has played a fundamental role in the instrument’s popularisation in South America, founding the first Ocarina Group in Argentina in 2010.

During the lecture, Eduardo will explore various aspects related to the ocarina, from its distribution and use in different cultures around the world, the different construction techniques, the interweaving of history and personal experience.

Workshop with Robert Hickman

The workshop, open to all ages and musical backgrounds, offers an introduction to the instrument, covering essential fundamentals: from correct posture and breath control to rhythm management and fingering techniques.
The teaching will focus on a hands-on approach, combining direct listening with sheet music reading.

A great introduction, ideal for curious minds and a perfect starting point for those wishing to embark on their ocarina journey.

The workshop will last approximately 90 minutes and will be conducted in English.
It is recommended that each participant brings a C alto ocarina.

Robert Hickman is the creator of Pure Ocarinas, a bespoke workshop specializing in custom-made ocarinas, and the author of Serious Ocarina Player and The Art of Ocarina Making. He first discovered the ocarina in 2007 through a performance by David Eric Ramos on YouTube, and was immediately captivated by the instrument’s unique sound. Since 2011, he has made the ocarina the central focus of his creations, compositions, and books.
His instruments are designed with an emphasis on ergonomics, and musically, his main interest lies in Irish and folk music, blending balfolk, contra, and ceilidh dance.
For several years, he has also been leading workshops at folk festivals across the UK.

Workshop

This workshop, led by Robert Hickman, offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional Irish music through the ocarina. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Irish music through a blend of theory and hands-on practice.
The teaching will primarily be by ear, staying true to tradition, though some sheet music will be provided to support the learning process.

We recommend using a C alto ocarina, an instrument that offers a wide range of expression and allows for a level of ornamentation not easily achieved with instruments like the simple flute or tin whistle. With its distinctive timbre, the ocarina is ideally suited for delving into the nuanced, ornamental aspects of Irish music.

Active participation and attentive listening will be key to fully immersing yourself in the world of Irish music, making the workshop both educational and enjoyable.

The workshop will be conducted in English and will last approximately 90 minutes.

Robert Hickman is the creator of Pure Ocarinas, a bespoke workshop specializing in custom-made ocarinas, and the author of Serious Ocarina Player and The Art of Ocarina Making. He first discovered the ocarina in 2007 through a performance by David Eric Ramos on YouTube, and was immediately captivated by the instrument’s unique sound. Since 2011, he has made the ocarina the central focus of his creations, compositions, and books.
His instruments are designed with an emphasis on ergonomics, and musically, his main interest lies in Irish and folk music, blending balfolk, contra, and ceilidh dance.
For several years, he has also been leading workshops at folk festivals across the UK.