Cantachiaro

Cantachiaro: the magic of song in the hills of Montechiaro d'Asti

For over thirty years, Cantachiaro has been one of the most cherished events in the cultural calendar of Montechiaro d'Asti, a small town in the Monferrato area of the Asti province, in Piedmont. Founded in 1995 thanks to the vision and passion of patron Adriano Cavanna, the festival has spanned decades while keeping its soul intact: giving local children and teenagers the chance to step onto a real stage and sing before their community.

Not a competition, but a shared celebration

Cantachiaro stands out for its non-competitive nature. It is not a talent show, nor is it a contest: there are no juries awarding scores, no prizes, and no rankings. The only true protagonist is the emotion of singing together. The young performers, accompanied by an eight-piece live orchestra, take the stage for the pure pleasure of being together and treating the audience to an afternoon of genuine music.

A theatrical narrative as a backdrop

Every edition is built around a theatrical theme—a story told by the town's adults that frames the musical performances. Over the years, the stage has transformed into an enchanted place filled with fairy tales, stories, and characters: in 2026, for instance, an ironic retelling of Alessandro Manzoni's The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) opened the curtain on the 31st edition.

A community coming together

Cantachiaro is the result of collaboration between the Parish, the Pro Loco, and the Municipality of Montechiaro d'Asti, with the involvement of schools and families. The musical preparation of the young singers takes place weekly during the winter months at the parish, in a journey that weaves together friendship, personal growth, and a sense of belonging to the local area.

Music and solidarity

The festival also has a charitable heart: the entire proceeds from each edition are donated to a good cause. In recent years, funds have been directed toward cystic fibrosis research and the Sermig (Youth Missionary Service) in Turin, confirming how this Asti-based event unites music, community, and social commitment into one great village festival.