Chigiana International Festival – Symphonic Grand Gala at San Galgano Abbey
Grand symphonic music under the stars, within the open-air naves of San Galgano Abbey
About San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala
A symphonic concert in the most evocative of settings
The Symphonic Grand Gala is a centerpiece of the Chigiana International Festival & Summer Academy, the major summer festival organized by the Accademia Musicale Chigiana Foundation in Siena. Each year, in the heart of summer, grand orchestral music leaves the historic palaces of Siena to reach one of Tuscany's most enchanting locations: San Galgano Abbey, in the municipality of Chiusdino (Province of Siena).
San Galgano Abbey: an open-air concert hall
The ancient Cistercian abbey, built in the 13th century and now roofless, offers an unparalleled backdrop: towering Gothic naves open to the sky, window frames looking out over the Val di Merse hills, and, at night, the starry firmament. In this space suspended between art, nature, and spirituality, the sound of the orchestra takes on a metaphysical dimension. It is here, just steps from the Montesiepi Hermitage with its famous sword in the stone, that the festival has hosted its most important symphonic concert for years.
2026 Edition: "Islands" theme
The Symphonic Grand Gala is part of the 12th edition of the Chigiana International Festival, titled "Islands", running from July 7 to September 1, 2026. This monumental festival features over 100 performances, more than 800 artists, 40 premieres (including 13 world premieres), eight musical theater productions, and eight symphonic concerts, under the artistic direction of Nicola Sani.
Great orchestras and renowned conductors
The San Galgano evening brings together resident orchestras and prestigious conductors year after year. The 2026 edition features the Orchestra Fondazione Luciano Pavarotti, conducted by Maestro Luciano Acocella, in a program dedicated to the great masters of German Romanticism: Felix Mendelssohn, Carl Maria von Weber, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. In past years, the abbey stage has hosted the Orchestra Senzaspine and internationally acclaimed soloists.
An unmissable event
Attending the Symphonic Grand Gala is a total experience: live music performed at the highest level, the natural acoustics of a Gothic architectural masterpiece, and the emotion of a place that has been a destination for pilgrims and travelers for centuries. An event that alone is worth a trip to Tuscany and perfectly captures the spirit of the Chigiana Festival: bringing great music to the most beautiful corners of the Sienese territory.
- Where: San Galgano Abbey, Chiusdino (SI)
- When: Late July, as part of the Chigiana International Festival
- What: Evening open-air symphonic concert
San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala — edition 2026
The 2026 Symphonic Grand Gala is one of the eight symphonic concerts of the 12th Chigiana International Festival, titled "Islands". The evening takes place in the open-air setting of San Galgano Abbey, in Chiusdino, in the heart of the Val di Merse.
On the podium, Maestro Luciano Acocella leads the Orchestra Fondazione Luciano Pavarotti on a journey through the great German Romantic symphonic repertoire. The magic of the location and the quality of the performance make this evening one of the most anticipated events of the entire Sienese musical summer.
Programme San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala 2026
Thursday, July 30, 2026 — 9:30 pm
San Galgano Abbey, Chiusdino (SI)
- Orchestra Fondazione Luciano Pavarotti
- Conductor: Luciano Acocella
Musical Program — works by:
- Felix Mendelssohn
- Carl Maria von Weber
- Robert Schumann
- Johannes Brahms
Detailed titles of the individual works in the program will be announced by the Accademia Musicale Chigiana Foundation closer to the concert date. For updates, please refer to the official website www.chigiana.org.
Highlights San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala 2026
Prices San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala 2026
Practical information — San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala
Getting there
San Galgano Abbey is located in the municipality of Chiusdino (SI), along the SP441 road, about 35 km southwest of Siena. By car from Siena, take the SS73 towards Grosseto and follow the signs for San Galgano; ample parking is available near the abbey. There are no direct train connections: the reference station is Siena, from where you can continue by car or via shuttle services organized on concert evenings.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at www.chigiana.org and via TicketOne, at the Palazzo Chigi Saracini box office in Siena (Monday-Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm), and, subject to availability, on the evening of the concert at the abbey. For information: tel. +39 0577 220922, email [email protected]. Reduced rates are available for students and those under 30.
Tips
The concert takes place outdoors in the evening: we recommend bringing a warm layer, even in the height of summer. Arriving early allows you to visit the abbey and the nearby Montesiepi Hermitage before the show.
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Where does it take place — San Galgano Symphonic Grand Gala
Abbazia di San Galgano
Località San Galgano, 53012 Chiusdino