75th Anniversary of the Corale Arquatese — Exhibition and Concert

Seventy-five years of voices in Arquata Scrivia

In 2026, the Corale Arquatese celebrates a major milestone: 75 years of uninterrupted activity. Founded in 1951 by maestro Pierino Moroni, lawyer Mario Debenedetti, and cavalier Mario Brugna, the choir has become one of the most deeply rooted cultural institutions in Arquata Scrivia, a town in the province of Alessandria overlooking the Val Lemme, at the gateway to the Apennine Piedmont.

Originally an all-male choir, the ensemble began welcoming female voices in the 1960s, thereby expanding its repertoire and its presence in the region. Over more than seventy years, the choir has performed more than 130 concerts in Arquata and throughout the surrounding area, accompanying the community's life through eras, changes, and generations.

An exhibition that tells a story

The festivities open on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the inauguration of a photo exhibition in the atrium of the Town Hall. The display features approximately 160 photographs documenting every period of the choir's activity, accompanied by a collection of historical programs and posters: a visual journey recounting the faces, tours, and most significant moments of three-quarters of a century of choral singing.

The celebratory concert at the San Giacomo Parish Church

The highlight arrives on Friday, June 12, 2026, when the San Giacomo Parish Church — the choir's historical home — hosts the celebratory concert. On stage, the choristers will be directed by maestro Elisa Cecchi, who has led the ensemble since 2015, accompanied on the piano by Maurizio Moro and joined by soloists, soprano Michela Guassotti and bass Andrea Comelli.

A community-rooted institution

The Corale Arquatese cultivates a repertoire that ranges from sacred music and operatic pieces to folk songs, with a special focus on polyphony and local musical traditions. Its work, driven by passion, volunteerism, and community participation, makes it much more than just a choir: it is an integral part of the cultural identity of Arquata Scrivia and eastern Piedmont. The 75th anniversary is an opportunity to rediscover this history and to hear live an ensemble that continues to renew itself from generation to generation.