Atri International Polyphonic Festival

A choral tradition spanning over thirty years

The Atri International Polyphonic Festival is one of the longest-running and most acclaimed choral events in Abruzzo. Established in 1994 by the Schola Cantorum "Aristotele Pacini," it reached its thirty-first edition in 2025, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the national and international polyphonic scene. The festival is held in Atri, one of the most beautiful villages in the Teramo province, an art city overlooking the Cerrano hills.

Choirs from Italy and abroad

At the heart of the event is the meeting of choral groups with diverse repertoires and origins. Over the years, the stage has hosted both Italian and international choirs, fostering a dialogue that has brought sacred music, folk singing, classical polyphony, and contemporary compositions to Atri. The Schola Cantorum "Aristotele Pacini," founded in 1987, serves as both host and protagonist; throughout its history, it has represented Atri on numerous tours across Italy and abroad, from Canada to Poland, Greece to Spain, and Hungary to Germany.

Two annual appointments

The festival is traditionally structured in two phases. The first event is held in summer as part of the "E…state ad Atri" program at the Sant'Agostino Auditorium. The second, more solemn event, takes place in autumn near November 22nd, the day dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians: it is the concert that symbolically closes the city's choral year.

A defining event for the community

The Polyphonic Festival is more than just a concert series; it is a defining event for the community of Atri and the entire Teramo province. The initiative strengthens cultural dialogue between different regions and showcases the musical and architectural heritage of Atri, from the Sant'Agostino complex to the town's historic churches. Admission and information are typically announced by the Schola Cantorum "Aristotele Pacini" and the Municipality of Atri closer to each concert date.