CastelCello – Cello Festival

A unique festival dedicated to the cello

CastelCello is a music festival held in the municipality of Tirolo (Dorf Tirol), in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Established in 2014 by the initiative of composer and violinist Marcello Fera, the festival is one of the very few events in the world entirely dedicated to the cello and its music. Each year, great international performers of this instrument take turns in programs that span from the classical repertoire to contemporary music, as well as jazz and improvisation.

Castles as a stage

The distinctive feature of CastelCello is its setting: concerts are held inside ancient manors in the Merano area. The Brunnenburg, the romantic castle that was once the home of poet Ezra Pound, often hosts the opening concert in its courtyard. This is joined by Castel Tirolo, the iconic manor of South Tyrolean history, and Castel San Zeno (Zenoburg). The final concert of the masterclass takes place in the Tirolo civic hall, the Vereinshaus. The intimate atmosphere of the courtyards and historic halls creates a evocative dialogue between the deep voice of the cello and the centuries-old stones.

The artistic direction of Francesco Dillon

Since the sixth edition in 2019, the artistic direction has been entrusted to Francesco Dillon, a cellist born in Turin in 1973 and known for an international career marked by the originality and variety of his repertoire. During the same week as the festival, Dillon also holds a cello masterclass that concludes with a public concert by the participants.

An international summer event

Over the years, CastelCello has become a reference point for cello enthusiasts and the South Tyrolean public. Guests such as Giovanni Sollima, Mario Brunello, and emerging young talents have made the festival an event capable of combining musical excellence with the charm of the landscape and the historical heritage of the Burgraviato.