Diocesan Sacred Music Festival
The sacred music festival of the Diocese of Albano, spanning the Castelli Romani and the Agro Pontino
About Albano Sacred Music Festival
A sacred music festival between the Castelli Romani and the coast
The Diocesan Sacred Music Festival is the premier event dedicated to sacred music in the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano, which encompasses the Castelli Romani, the coast south of Rome, and part of the Agro Pontino. Promoted by the European Philharmonic Academy in collaboration with the diocese, the festival brings great works of the sacred repertoire to churches and cathedrals in towns such as Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Genzano di Roma, Marino, Aprilia, Ciampino, Anzio, and Nettuno, all located in the provinces of Rome and Latina, in the Lazio region.
The opening concert in Albano Laziale
The festival kicks off each year in the Basilica Cathedral of San Pancrazio Martire in Albano Laziale, the spiritual heart of the diocese, with a grand inaugural concert featuring the European Philharmonic Academy Orchestra and the International Opera Choir. Held near the feast day of the patron saint, San Pancrazio, this event sets the tone for the entire festival and attracts a large audience thanks to free admission.
A repertoire spanning the centuries
The festival's programming weaves together different eras and styles: from the polyphony of the Roman and Renaissance schools—with composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Ruggero Giovannelli—to classic and romantic sacred masterpieces, including powerful choral and symphonic works. Alongside the most famous pieces, there is also space for lesser-known composers and contemporary compositions, in a constant dialogue between liturgical tradition and musical research.
Art, faith, and territory
More than just a concert season, the Diocesan Sacred Music Festival is a journey that unites art, faith, and the enhancement of the heritage of the diocese's communities. By hosting concerts in the area's historic churches, the festival invites visitors to rediscover beautiful places of worship and experience them through music. The festival also pays particular attention to accessibility, with concert programmes available in Braille thanks to a collaboration with the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted.
A growing event
Born to give voice to the rich sacred musical tradition of Lazio, the festival has grown with each edition, expanding the number of concerts and participating towns, and adding initiatives such as an international composition competition for young musicians. The artistic direction is entrusted to Ernesto Celani, with Maestro Francesco Maria Silvagni serving as musical director.
Albano Sacred Music Festival — edition 2026
Third edition: eight concerts between Rome and Latina
The third edition of the Diocesan Sacred Music Festival consisted of eight free-entry concerts, from May 9 to June 19, 2026, in the municipalities of the Diocese of Albano: Albano Laziale (May 9), Aprilia (May 16), Ciampino (May 22), Anzio (May 23), Marino (May 30), Nettuno (June 13), Ariccia (June 14), and Genzano di Roma (June 19). The festival was promoted by the European Philharmonic Academy under the artistic direction of Ernesto Celani and the musical direction of Francesco Maria Silvagni, with support from the Ministry of Culture and the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, among others.
The inaugural concert at the Cathedral of San Pancrazio
The opening, on Saturday, May 9, at 9:00 PM in the Basilica Cathedral of San Pancrazio Martire in Albano Laziale, featured the European Philharmonic Academy Orchestra and the International Opera Choir, with soprano Cristina De Carolis, tenor Michael Alfonsi, bass Giordano Farina, and the special participation of mezzo-soprano Chiara Chialli. The concert celebrated the year's anniversaries with a programme of great spiritual depth.
Programme Albano Sacred Music Festival 2026
Opening Concert — Albano Laziale, May 9, 2026, 9:00 PM
Basilica Cathedral of San Pancrazio Martire. European Philharmonic Academy Orchestra and International Opera Choir, conducted by Maestro Francesco Maria Silvagni, choir master Giovanni Mirabile. Soloists: Cristina De Carolis (soprano), Michael Alfonsi (tenor), Giordano Farina (bass), Chiara Chialli (mezzo-soprano).
- Ave Maria attributed to Giulio Caccini (by Vladimir Vavilov)
- Cantico del Sole di San Francesco d'Assisi by Franz Liszt
- Missa Sancta n. 1 op. 75 by Carl Maria von Weber
Calendar of other stages
- May 16 — Aprilia
- May 22 — Ciampino
- May 23 — Anzio
- May 30 — Marino
- June 13 — Nettuno
- June 14 — Ariccia
- June 19 — Genzano di Roma
Highlights Albano Sacred Music Festival 2026
- Eight free-entry concerts in the churches of the Diocese of Albano
- Inaugural concert at the Cathedral of San Pancrazio in Albano Laziale
- Tribute to the 200th anniversary of Weber's death and the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Concert programmes also available in Braille
Prices Albano Sacred Music Festival 2026
Practical information — Albano Sacred Music Festival
Location
The opening concert takes place in the Basilica Cathedral of San Pancrazio Martire, in the historic centre of Albano Laziale (Metropolitan City of Rome Capital). Other concerts are held in churches throughout the Diocese of Albano, across the Castelli Romani, the coast, and the Agro Pontino.
How to get there
Albano Laziale can be reached by train via the regional line from Rome Termini to Albano Laziale, or by car via the Via Appia. The cathedral is located in the town centre, just a short walk from Piazza Pia.
Admission
All festival concerts are free of charge, subject to availability.
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Where does it take place — Albano Sacred Music Festival
Basilica Cattedrale San Pancrazio Martire
Piazza Pia, 00041 Albano Laziale