Alta Murgia Festival
Great international music at the Teatro Mercadante in Altamura
About Alta Murgia Festival
A festival of auteur music in the heart of the Murgia
The Alta Murgia Festival is a concert series that brings the historic Teatro Mercadante in Altamura—a city in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia—to life every winter. Conceived and directed by local pianist Leonardo Colafelice, the festival brings some of the most important performers on the national and international scene to a provincial setting, ranging from the classical symphonic repertoire to jazz influences and violin virtuosity.
The Teatro Mercadante, the heart of the festival
All concerts take place in the historic Teatro Mercadante, dedicated to the Altamura-born composer Saverio Mercadante. The intimate and elegant hall offers a close connection between the audience and the artists, making every performance an intense experience. It is here that the festival has built its identity over the years, alternating between the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra and guest soloists and ensembles.
A program spanning classical and jazz
The hallmark of the Alta Murgia Festival is variety: a small number of concerts, carefully chosen to explore different musical languages. Alongside great symphonic masterpieces—from Dvořák to Tchaikovsky, and overtures by Verdi and Rossini—there is room for auteur jazz, tango nuevo, and great violin virtuosos. A formula that brings audiences closer to different repertoires without sacrificing quality.
- Symphonic concerts with the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra
- International soloists on piano, violin, and wind instruments
- Evenings dedicated to jazz and Mediterranean influences
- Programs alternating between the great repertoire and original interpretations
Accessible music, with an eye on the youth
One of the festival's distinctive features is its desire to make high culture accessible to everyone. Year after year, the artistic direction maintains a policy of affordable prices, with discounted tickets for under-30s and subscription packages to encourage youth participation and make the Teatro Mercadante a cultural landmark for Altamura and the entire Alta Murgia region.
A local event
Realized with the support of the Municipality of Altamura and local partners, the Alta Murgia Festival is now one of the most anticipated musical offerings of the winter season in the province of Bari, capable of attracting enthusiasts from all over Puglia and providing national visibility to a city better known for its PDO bread and the Altamura Man.
Alta Murgia Festival — edition 2026
The fifth edition
The fifth edition of the Alta Murgia Festival animated the Teatro Mercadante in Altamura from February 22 to March 22, 2026, with four concerts of strong international appeal, under the artistic direction of Leonardo Colafelice. A program that combined the great symphonic repertoire with jazz and instrumental virtuosity, featuring world-class soloists and the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra.
The festival's popular vocation was also confirmed, with an affordable pricing policy and reduced tickets for under-30s, testifying to the festival's commitment to bringing young audiences closer to classical music.
Programme Alta Murgia Festival 2026
February 22 — From the New World (6:30 PM)
Inaugural concert with the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Piotr Jaworski and saxophone soloist Gaetano Di Bacco. The program included works by Molinelli, Iturralde, and the famous Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" by Antonín Dvořák.
March 1 — A Long Way (6:30 PM)
An evening dedicated to jazz with Jany McPherson, a Cuban pianist and singer, in a recital of original compositions and international repertoire pieces, blending classical technique with Caribbean passion.
March 14 — Stars (8:30 PM)
Featuring violinist Roman Kim, acclaimed by critics as the "Paganini of the 21st century," accompanied on the piano by Maestro Giuliano Mazzoccante. The program included music by Tartini, Paganini, and original compositions by Kim himself.
March 22 — Tchaikovsky #1 (6:30 PM)
Grand finale with the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Leonardo Colafelice and pianist Serena Valluzzi, winner of the "Busoni" Competition. The program featured the famous Piano Concerto No. 1 by Tchaikovsky, preceded by overtures by Verdi and Rossini.
Highlights Alta Murgia Festival 2026
Prices Alta Murgia Festival 2026
Practical information — Alta Murgia Festival
Where
Teatro Mercadante, Piazza Repubblica, 70022 Altamura (BA), Puglia.
How to get there
By car: Altamura is connected to the SS 96 Bari-Matera and the SS 99 roads. By train: the city is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) Bari-Matera line, with a station in the city center. Nearest airport: Bari-Palese (Karol Wojtyła), about an hour's drive away.
Tickets
Single tickets start from approximately €10.50 (full price) and €6.50 (reduced for under-30s); season tickets for the entire festival are available at a discounted rate. Advance sales via the Vivaticket circuit and on the official website festivaldellaltamurgia.it.
Tips
Concerts are generally held in the late afternoon or evening. Given the limited capacity of the hall, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance.
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Where does it take place — Alta Murgia Festival
Teatro Mercadante
Piazza Repubblica, 70022 Altamura