"Armonie Sicane" National Music Competition

A music competition in the heart of the Sicani Mountains

The "Armonie Sicane" National Music Competition is a well-established highlight in the cultural calendar of Bivona, a charming village in the province of Agrigento nestled within the Sicani Mountains in Sicily. Created to foster a love for music among young people, the competition is promoted by the "Gaspare Lo Nigro" Music School in collaboration with the Municipality of Bivona, the "A. Toscanini" Conservatory of Ribera, and the "A. Scarlatti" Conservatory of Palermo, with the support of local schools and institutes.

Sections and categories

The event is divided into two distinct parts: a Competition for Schools, dedicated to primary and secondary school pupils, and a National Competition open to soloists, duos, instrumental and vocal ensembles of any size, musical associations, music schools, and academies. The competition categories cover a wide repertoire:

• Solo instruments: piano, strings, woodwinds/brass, guitar, harp, accordion, percussion
• Piano four-hands and ensemble music from duos to orchestras
• Classical and modern singing
• Choral music
• Contemporary music and jazz

A showcase for young talent

Before a jury of teachers and professional musicians, participants perform in Bivona's venues, including the Santa Chiara Auditorium and the "Gaspare Lo Nigro" Music School Auditorium. The competition is a valuable opportunity for students and young musicians from the Agrigento area and all over Sicily to compare their skills, grow, and gain exposure. Over the years, the event has awarded students from numerous towns in the province, from Cianciana to Casteltermini, and from Burgio to Alessandria della Rocca.

Bivona and the Sicani Mountains

Hosting the competition in Bivona also means discovering a village rich in history, an ancient episcopal seat and a citadel of the Sicani territory. Amidst churches, palaces, and narrow alleys, the town becomes the capital of Sicilian youth music for a few days, in a setting that combines artistic quality, educational value, and local identity. For the community of Bivona and the entire province of Agrigento, "Armonie Sicane" is a source of pride and a testament to how music can be a universal language.