Classica a Sant'Antonio

Chamber music returns to Lonato

In Lonato del Garda, in the province of Brescia, there is an event that every spring brings great chamber music to an exceptional setting: Classica a Sant'Antonio. The festival takes place in the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, whose ancient walls offer ideal acoustics and atmosphere for concerts. The 2026 edition features three Sunday events on May 10, 17, and 24, always at 5 PM.

Three concerts, three ensembles

The beauty of the festival lies in the variety of ensembles and repertoires. It opens on May 10 with the Evolution Classical Duo featuring Francesco Giordanino (violin and voice) and Marco De Masi (cello), in a program spanning Corelli, Gershwin, Puccini, and Bernstein. On May 17, it's the turn of an exceptional trio – Fabrizio Meloni (clarinet), Sandro Laffranchini (cello), and Francesco Libetta (piano) – with music by Beethoven, Laffranchini, and Brahms. Closing the festival on May 24 is the Milan Wind Quintet, performing opera arias and symphonies.

Top-tier performers

The presence of musicians like Fabrizio Meloni, principal clarinetist of Teatro alla Scala, and acclaimed artists such as Francesco Libetta, testifies to the festival's artistic level. Despite taking place in a small town in the Brescia area of Garda, Classica a Sant'Antonio offers a high-quality program that would be at home in any major city concert hall.

Accessible culture

The concerts are free admission, a choice reflecting the desire to make classical music accessible to everyone. For Lonato del Garda and the surrounding lower Garda towns, the festival represents a precious opportunity to experience great music, especially during springtime, a particularly pleasant time to visit the area.