The Music University Group of Turin. From the Foundation to Fascism (1921-1928)

The first University Music Group (GUM) was established by professor V.N. Zabughin at the University of Rome in 1918. The association, widespread in several Universities, was founded by the students in Turin in 1921. The statute indicated the dissemination of musical culture as its main purpose: each year were organised conferences and a concert season; were soon founded also a library, an orchestra and a choir, composed by the same associates. The GUM was absorbed by the University Fascist Group (GUF) and transformed into its musical section in 1927. Under this new organisation it continued operating until World War II. This paper reconstructs the early years of the organisation, focusing on its annexation to the GUF. The analysis of the concert programs, the records and the chronicles of the time will permit to verify the impact this political turn had on its cultural activities and organisational strategies.