Lake Maggiore Choral Festival and National Polyphonic Competition

Verbania, capital of choral music on Lake Maggiore

For two weekends in October, Verbania—located in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont—welcomes some of Italy's finest voices. The Lake Maggiore Choral Festival and the National Polyphonic Competition of Lake Maggiore are two distinct yet deeply intertwined events, organized by the Associazione Cori Piemontesi (A.C.P.), which have long established the lakeside city as a benchmark for Italian choral singing.

Two events, one grand celebration of song

The festival is structured into two complementary parts. The Choral Festival has an educational and social focus: choirs from all over the country perform in concerts scattered throughout the churches and villas of Verbania and neighboring towns, fostering a spirit of sharing rather than competition. The National Polyphonic Competition, on the other hand, is a true contest divided into several categories—from sacred music to secular repertoire, monographic programs, and folk choirs—culminating in the prestigious Gran Premio del Lago Maggiore awarded to the overall winning ensemble.

Venues that make the difference

The value of the event also lies in its locations. Concerts and competition rounds are held in highly atmospheric spaces: Villa Giulia in Pallanza, overlooking the lake, the Collegiata di San Leonardo, and the Chiesa di Santa Marta in Intra, as well as the modern Il Maggiore event center. The acoustics of the historic churches and the elegance of the lakeside villas provide an ideal setting for the choirs and an unforgettable listening experience for the audience.

Choral Archives and side activities

The festival is accompanied by Archivi Corali, an exhibition of choral publishing and discography featuring scores, editions, and recordings: an event designed for conductors, choristers, and enthusiasts who wish to delve into the heritage of Italian vocal music. Between concerts, training sessions, and networking opportunities, the event is much more than a simple competition: it is a grand gathering of the national choral community.

A growing tradition

Created to promote Piedmontese and Italian choral singing, the event has seen the number and quality of participating groups grow year after year. For vocal music lovers, as well as visitors choosing Lake Maggiore in autumn, it is the perfect opportunity to discover a cultural and vibrant Verbania, well beyond the summer season.