Agriculture | From the forest to music: the science, technology, and tradition of wood for musical instruments

The Forestry and Environmental Sciences Program of the Department of Agriculture of the Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, as part of its training and Third Mission activities, is promoting the outreach initiative " From the forest to music: the science and art of wood ", scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:30 pm in the "FS Nesci" Seminar Room of the Department of Agriculture.

The conference offers a concrete understanding of the forestry supply chain for violin making, highlighting how the physical, anatomical, and mechanical properties of wood guide the selection of tonewood and influence the construction quality of violins, guitars, and other types of musical instruments. This journey connects forest ecosystems, research, excellent craftsmanship, and music production. The forest is thus an ecosystem to be protected and the source of a raw material transformed into sound, culture, and beauty.

Following official greetings from Rector Prof. Giuseppe Zimbalatti, Director Prof. Marco Poiana, and Course Coordinator Prof. Andrea R. Proto, technical presentations will focus on advanced methodologies for selecting and characterizing wood materials. This will be followed by presentations on Calabrian violin-making and musical traditions by Rosalba De Bonis (Liuteria De Bonis in Bisignano), Sergio Di Giorgio (an instrument maker from the oral tradition of Calabria), and Alessandro Calcaramo (musician).

The initiative highlights how forestry sciences contribute to the valorization of local resources, the dissemination of technical and scientific culture, and the creation of connections between universities, local communities, artisanal businesses, and the community. The program reaffirms its commitment to an education that combines sustainability, innovation, and the valorization of forestry heritage, fostering dialogue with society on environmental issues and the tangible and intangible culture of local communities. The day will conclude with a musical performance, a tangible testament to the journey from forest to sound, where wood becomes a sonic experience, artistic expression, and collective memory. The event is aimed at students, professionals, and the public interested in local tangible and intangible knowledge and sustainability and research, and aims to bridge the gap between nature, science, and music.