Città di Penne International Music Performance Competition

An international competition in the heart of Abruzzo

The Città di Penne International Music Performance Competition is one of the most significant musical events in Abruzzo dedicated to young performers. It takes place every May in Penne, an elegant town of art in the province of Pescara, transforming the theaters and auditoriums of the historic center into stages for musicians from all over Italy and many countries worldwide. Organized by the Marco Polo Comprehensive Institute of Penne, the competition was founded in 2013 and reached its fourteenth edition in 2026.

A program combining multiple competitions

The strength of the event lies in its structure: under a single artistic direction, led by pianist Michela De Amicis, multiple competition sections and festivals coexist. The category-based competition is aimed at middle schools with musical programs, music high schools, academies, school choirs, and very young students in the 'First Steps in Music' section, alongside trials for soloists in strings, woodwinds, piano, and organetto.

• Flute Festival: A section dedicated to the flute featuring masterclasses and concerts by faculty members, hosted in the Council Chamber.
• Chiara Magni International Opera Competition: A prestigious opera singing competition that brings young voices from around the world to Penne.
• Winners' Concerts: Gala evenings at the Municipal Theater that reward the best performers from the various sections.

Penne, a city of art and music

Hosting a competition of this caliber in Penne is no coincidence. The village, one of the most beautiful in Italy, with its brick buildings and churches, offers a suggestive setting for musical events. Performances are held in historic venues such as the Municipal Theater, the Council Chamber, the Historical Archive Theater, and the San Giovanni Evangelista Auditorium, creating a bridge between the city's architectural heritage and live music. Over the years, the event has become a benchmark for the growth of young Abruzzese musicians and a highly anticipated appointment for enthusiasts across the region.

An event open to all

One of the most appreciated aspects of the 'Città di Penne' Competition is its openness to the public: evening concerts and award ceremonies are held with free admission subject to availability, offering residents of Penne and visitors the chance to listen to young international talents for free. For a community like Penne, the competition also represents an important moment for the cultural and tourism promotion of the area.