Abendkonzert der Musikkapelle Villnöß

Evening concerts by the Funes brass band

The Abendkonzerte of the Musikkapelle Villnöß are a staple of summer in Funes (known as Villnöß in German), a municipality in the famous Funes Valley, in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. On summer evenings, the local brass band performs at the Kultursaal in San Pietro (St. Peter), offering the community and tourists a free concert set against the backdrop of the Dolomites and the unmistakable Odle peaks.

A musical tradition spanning over two centuries

The Musikkapelle Villnöß was first documented in 1801, when a small brass group played for the consecration of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in San Pietro. In 2026, the band celebrates its 225th anniversary under the motto «Tradition für unsere Zukunft» (Tradition for our future). Today, the ensemble consists of about 83 musicians and has been directed by maestro Hans Pircher since 2014. Like all bands in South Tyrol, it accompanies village life throughout the year: processions, religious festivals, civil anniversaries, and concerts, from the traditional Easter concert (Osterkonzert) to summer events.

Folk music in traditional costume

Dressed in traditional costumes (Tracht), the musicians perform a classic repertoire of South Tyrolean Blasmusik: marches, polkas, waltzes, folk tunes, and concert pieces. Over the years, the band has also distinguished itself in concert competitions, winning the title of Federal Champion (Bundessieger) at the ÖBV band competition in Ossiach, Austria, in 2022. The summer Abendkonzerte, however, retain the convivial and informal atmosphere of village summer nights.

Setting and territory

Funes/Villnöß is one of the most photographed valleys in the Dolomites, at the foot of the Odle group and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The municipality includes the hamlets of San Pietro (St. Peter), Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena), and Tiso (Teis), with the famous little church of San Giovanni in Ranui set against the mountains. The band's evening concerts are a simple and authentic way to experience the hospitality and musical traditions of this corner of South Tyrol.

Useful information

• Where: Kultursaal in San Pietro/St. Peter, Funes/Villnöß
• Admission: Free
• Time: Generally in the evening, from 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM