International Arts Festival

A festival of Belcanto and the arts in the heart of Salento

The International Arts Festival is one of the most elegant cultural events in the Salento region. Created to combine the tradition of Belcanto with the timeless beauty of Salento's landscapes, the festival has been offering opera concerts, classical music galas, tributes to great composers, and artistic encounters for over a decade. While the event is centered in Copertino, in the Province of Lecce, its most expansive editions have also reached Tricase and Lecce, bringing grand music to sanctuaries, castles, archaeological parks, and historic farmhouses.

Venues: from the Castello Angioino to historic landmarks

The festival's symbol is the monumental Castello Angioino of Copertino, one of the most imposing fortresses in Southern Italy, but evenings are held in a variety of highly evocative settings: the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Grottella, the Masseria La Tenente, and the churches and squares of the Salento town center. This itinerant nature is central to the festival's identity, designed to create a dialogue between music and the region's historical and landscape heritage.

Artistic Direction

The festival is conceived and directed by tenor Salvatore Cordella, who oversees its artistic vision alongside guest masters and conductors. The program revolves around the great operatic and chamber music tradition, featuring internationally acclaimed soloists, ensembles, and the festival choir. Each edition also presents the International Arts Award, a recognition bestowed upon artists who have distinguished themselves in the musical landscape.

The 2025 Edition

The 13th edition was held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Masseria La Tenente in Copertino, under the artistic direction of Maestro Salvatore Schembari. The star of the evening was soprano Diana Tugui, recipient of the 2025 International Arts Award, accompanied by tenor Salvatore Cordella and pianist Roberto Corlianò, along with a rich cast of young performers.

An event for the Copertino community

Beyond its artistic value, the International Arts Festival represents an important cultural and tourist promotion event for the Municipality of Copertino and the entire Puglia region. The evenings, often linked to exhibitions and art projects, offer the public an experience that combines live music, historical heritage, and the Salento landscape, in the intimate, participatory atmosphere typical of major provincial festivals.

2026 Edition

Dates and the program for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced. The festival is traditionally held during the summer: for updated information, we recommend consulting the festival's official website and the International Arts Company channels.