THERAPEUTIC HARP WEEK
Exploring the Healing Power of the Harp
Research, Resonance and Connection
Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference
July 14-15, 2026, Bologna - Italy, International Music Museum
Healing Strings Retreat
July 16-19, 2026, Gabicce - Italy, Hotel Capo Est
Therapeutic Harp Week
Therapeutic Harp Week is an international week entirely dedicated to therapeutic harp, therapeutic music, and intentional music.
A unique event bringing together a scientific conference, professional training, research, experiential practice, and meaningful connection among practitioners.
The week unfolds through two complementary events, conceived as a coherent pathway integrating theory, research, and lived experience:
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An international conference, scheduled for 14–15 July 2026 in Bologna, hosted at the prestigious International Museum and Library of Music.
Bologna, designated UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2006, offers a culturally and symbolically significant setting for an event devoted to music as a practice of care, research, and awareness. -
An experiential retreat, taking place from 16–19 July 2026 in Gabicce Mare, in the hills of the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park.
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this peaceful and inspiring location is dedicated to the deep integration of the therapeutic and experiential dimensions of intentional music.
Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference
Bologna, Tuesday 14 – Wednesday 15 July 2026 (in person and online)
and Thursday 16 July (online only)
International Museum and Library of Music
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to:
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present research, case studies, and innovative practices;
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explore applications of therapeutic harp in clinical, educational, corporate, and holistic contexts;
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foster interdisciplinary dialogue between therapeutic music, music therapy, vibroacoustics, and sound healing;
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strengthen an international network of professionals.
Format and Content
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Over 20 international speakers
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Interpretation available in Italian, English, and French
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An active collaboration with the Harp Therapy Journal is in place for the publication of a selection of conference papers.
Participation Options
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In-person attendance in Bologna, with access to session replays
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Online participation, with access to session replays
Programme
The detailed programme will be published in February 2026.
Practical Information
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The Museum of Music is located in Bologna’s historic city centre (Strada Maggiore, 34) and is easily accessible from the train station (bus or taxi) and from the airport via the Marconi Express.
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The surrounding area offers numerous accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, and partner facilities, available via www.booking.com, www.airbnb.com, www.ospitalitasantommaso.com, and www.cavazza.it
What is included in the Conference registration
The registration fee for the Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference includes:
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full access to the in-person conference in Bologna (14–15 July 2026)
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access to online participation (14–16 July 2026)
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unlimited access to the replays of all conference sessions, available on the Resonantya online platform
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access to the digital conference proceedings (collection of abstracts and selected contributions from the presenters)
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certificate of attendance, indicating the number of training hours
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guided visit to the International Museum and Library of Music in Bologna
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participation in an international network of presenters and professionals in therapeutic harp, therapeutic music and intentional music
International Music Museum and Library
Bologna, Italy
A place of history and beauty, home to one of the largest musical collections in Europe. The frescoed halls of the palace take visitors on a fascinating journey through six centuries of European music history: portraits of renowned composers and performers, ancient musical instruments, and manuscripts and treatises of extraordinary historical and artistic value.
The Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference will take place in the precious Event Hall, located within the Library, which houses over 110,000 volumes, including manuscripts, incunabula, printed editions, and opera librettos.
Healing Strings Retreat
Gabicce - Italy, July 16-19, 2026
Hotel Capo Est
The Healing Strings Retreat offers a transformative journey into music and the sound of the harp as a harmonising and transformative potential, both for oneself and in relationship with others.
The retreat takes place along the Adriatic coastline, in a setting where sea, light, and landscape naturally support inner listening and renewal.
Through sound-based, contemplative, and creative practices, the retreat explores the principles of the music of the spheres and music of the human being, offering an experiential understanding of the foundational elements of intentional music.
Nature becomes an integral part of the process: sea, light, silence, and landscape accompany moments of dawn meditation, immersive sound listening, and practices of deep presence.
Retreat Objectives
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integrate theory and practice;
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experience the harp as an instrument of resonance with the natural elements;
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explore therapeutic improvisation, deep listening, sound, and voice;
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support regeneration, integration, and connection.
Facilitator
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Marianne Gubri, harpist, researcher, and international educator, with over twenty years of experience in therapeutic harp, intentional music, and integrated sound practices.
Venue
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Hotel Capo Est
Via Panoramica, 123
61011 Gabicce Mare (PU), Italy -
Single or double rooms are available, with accommodation options including room only, half board, or full board. Reservations are to be made directly with the hotel. For information and bookings: info@capoest.com - Please specify: Healing Strings Retreat – 16–19 July 2026
Programme
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Thursday 16 July – afternoon from 3:00 pm | Tuning the Intention
Arrival and opening of the retreat: introduction to intentional music, presence, sound as a relational space, therapeutic touch. -
Friday 17 July – morning | The Inner Sound
Deep listening and meditation on inner sound: silence, resonance, and listening practices inspired by Nada Yoga. -
Friday 17 July – afternoon | The Harmonic Weave
Creating the harmonic texture: guided improvisation, vibrational instruments, and collective sound dialogue. -
Saturday 18 July – morning | The Path of the Bard – The Word
Spoken voice and harp: sound meditations and guided visualisations. -
Saturday 18 July – afternoon | The Path of the Bard – The Song
Voice and harp: mantras, lullabies, and healing songs; music as medicine and ritual. -
Sunday 19 July – morning until 1:00 pm | The Inspiration of the Muses
Space for composition and free creative expression.
How to Get There
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Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bologna, easily reachable by train
(Cattolica–San Giovanni–Gabicce station) + taxi.
Instruments
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A limited number of harps are available for rental.
Who is it for
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This retreat is intended for harpists with at least one year of harp practice.
Hotel Capo Est
Gabicce - Italy
In the heart of the Monte San Bartolo Nature Park, Hotel Capo Est welcomes participants of the Healing Strings retreat in a place suspended between sea, silence, and nature. Located on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Adriatic and surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, shaded green areas, and access to the charming Vallugola Bay beach.
