Festival Discanto

A competition for songwriters

Festival Discanto is one of Tuscany's longest-running competitions dedicated to original singer-songwriter music. Promoted by the Il Pentagramma Musical Association—an organization founded in 1994, rooted in a music school active since the late seventies—the festival was created to champion original musical production, highlighting the craft behind every single track. The national competition is open to everyone: singer-songwriters, soloists, and bands of any genre or style, with no age or citizenship limits.

How it works

The Discanto journey unfolds in two stages. First, the preliminary rounds are hosted at the Teatro di Vicopisano, where dozens of artists from all over Italy perform their competing tracks live. From these evenings, a select group of finalists—twenty-four in the last edition—is chosen to vie for the title in the grand finale. This is the festival's highlight, accompanied by a live orchestra, where a qualified jury evaluates the performances and declares the winners.

The jury and awards

Discanto stands out for its jury composed of recognized professionals from the Italian music world, including established singer-songwriters, vocal coaches, and musical directors. In addition to the main ranking—with cash prizes for the top three finishers—numerous special awards are presented by the jury and festival partners, designed to provide real growth opportunities for emerging young authors.

The Teatro Comunale di Fauglia

The grand finale takes place in the intimate Teatro Comunale di Fauglia, a small town in the Pisan hills of Tuscany, a short distance from Pisa and the Livorno coast. The theater's cozy setting is perfect for an event that puts songwriting and vocals at the center: here, the audience can listen up close to songs never heard before, discovered and showcased thanks to Discanto.

Why it's worth attending

• It is an authentic stage for emerging singer-songwriter music, far removed from the logic of major televised talent shows.
• The evenings offer an ever-changing repertoire of original tracks and personal stories.
• The event unites the areas of Vicopisano and Fauglia, enhancing the cultural scene of the province of Pisa.