"Città di Pienza" Choral Festival

A choral tradition in the heart of the Val d'Orcia

The "Città di Pienza" Choral Festival is one of the most cherished musical events in the calendar of Pienza, a Renaissance gem in the Province of Siena, Tuscany. Organized by the "Benvenuto Franci" Choir—the local choral association named after the famous baritone born in Pienza—the event brings together choirs from various Italian regions each year, fostering cultural and musical exchange.

The setting: The Church of San Francesco

Concerts are held in the intimate and evocative Church of San Francesco, one of the town's oldest sacred buildings, where the acoustics and atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for choral music. The festival takes place just steps from Piazza Pio II, the monumental heart of the "ideal city" commissioned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A meeting of voices

The festival follows a collaborative format: the "Benvenuto Franci" Choir, acting as the host group, welcomes several invited choirs to the stage. Each ensemble presents its own repertoire, ranging from sacred music and classical polyphony to folk songs and gospel. It is a precious opportunity for the audience to experience a variety of vocal styles in a single evening, and for the singers to share the joy of performing together.

Part of the June 2nd celebrations

For several editions, the festival has been scheduled to coincide with Republic Day, as part of a broader program of initiatives that the Municipality of Pienza dedicates to the June 2nd long weekend, featuring historical re-enactments, concerts, and civic events. The festival is thus deeply linked not only to the town's musical life but also to the civic identity of the Pienza community.

Why it's worth attending

• High-quality choral singing in a charming, historic church.
• Choirs invited from multiple Italian regions: a different musical landscape every year.
• Free admission, located in the historic center of Pienza, a UNESCO site.
• A perfect excuse to visit the Val d'Orcia and the Renaissance village of Pius II.