The Festival of the Itria Valley: 50 years of music and culture

In Martina Franca from July 17 to August 6, 2024, the 50th edition of the Valle d'Itria Festival will be staged. For half a century, the summer in Martina Franca, nestled in the hills of Apulia, has been the location of excellence for this extraordinary event. The festival, born back in 1975, has been able to gain a prominent place in the Italian cultural scene thanks to courageous choices and the search for artistic quality, which have made it an icon of Italian musical culture .

Martina Franca, with its Baroque architecture standing proudly on the hills of the Valle d'Itria, offers an enchanting setting for such a prestigious event. Among rows of vines, woods and centuries-old olive trees, this town is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the beauty of music and art.

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A little history...

Since its inception, the Festival has stood out for its dedication to the rediscovery of operatic titles and rare or underrated musical pages. By curating integral versions and critical editions, the Festival has contributed to the enhancement of the bel canto repertoire and the Neapolitan School of Music. A leading figure in this rebirth has been Franco Punzi, assisted by the shrewd artistic direction of vocal expert Rodolfo Celletti, who has been able to guide the festival to renewed glory in the Italian music scene.

With the advent of Alberto Triola as artistic director in 2010, the festival has steadfastly maintained its commitment to enhancing the bel canto repertoire and baroque musical theater, while also opening up to 20th-century and contemporary opera, thus keeping tradition alive while embracing innovation.

An exceptional program for the 50th anniversary

And now, in 2024, the Festival della Valle d'Itria is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an exceptional program. Directed by Sebastian F. Schwarz and organized by the Fondazione Paolo Grassi, this year's edition promises to be a musical journey through three centuries, with works ranging from Bellini's "Norma" to Rota's "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" to Händel's "Ariodante ." But the festival is not limited only to opera. The event is enriched with concerts of chamber, lieder, sacred, baroque, symphonic and jazz music, thus offering a complete and engaging musical experience for all tastes and preferences.

The splendid locations, including the Ducal Palace, the Verdi Theater and the Basilica of San Martino, as well as the picturesque masserie scattered throughout the area, contribute to creating a unique and magical atmosphere, ideal for completely immersing oneself in the beauty of music and art.

Artistic director Sebastian F. Schwarz stresses that this edition is aimed at a wide audience, ranging from families to baroque opera lovers, offering a variety that reflects the festival's rich musical history. And he invites everyone, without distinction, to join the celebrations in Puglia.

The Festival della Valle d'Itria is thus confirmed as an extraordinary celebration of music and culture, combining tradition and innovation in a unique setting in the heart of Puglia. An unforgettable experience for fans and a tribute to the history of a festival that has been able to conquer the international stage and the hearts of thousands of spectators.

For tickets or more info, see the festival's official website

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Experience the magic of the Itria Valley Festival

The Itria Valley Festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of music and art, celebrating a tradition that has lasted for fifty years. If you want to live this extraordinary experience in the picturesque setting of Puglia, we invite you to book one of our exclusive vacation homes in Itria Valley. Enjoy not only the show on the stage, but also the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, the culinary art and the hospitality of Puglia. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable celebration. Book now and get ready to experience moments of pure magic in the wonderful village of Martina Franca.

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