Le Sirene di Marzo

An artistic residency on the Apulian coast

Every March, the seaside town of Mola di Bari, in the province of Bari, becomes the home of Le Sirene di Marzo for a week, a project that turns the city into an open-air artistic laboratory. Promoted by the Marco Polo APS Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Mola di Bari, the festival combines local exploration with the experience of singing, voice, and movement—approached with both lightness and rigor as a celebration of connection and a unique study opportunity.

The name evokes the myth of the sirens and the deep bond between Mola and its sea: the promenade, the harbor, and the historic center become integral parts of an event that is not merely a calendar of shows, but a genuine training journey shared with the local community.

Vocal training with international instructors

The heart of the week consists of singing workshops led by masters from Italy, Germany, Austria, and France. The masterclasses range from solo opera singing to German Lieder, from vocal jazz and improvisation to Italian chamber romance and ensemble work. Students work daily with their instructors and present the results of their training in a final concert open to the public.

Performances, books, and meetings

Surrounding the training sessions is a rich evening program: concerts at the prestigious Teatro Niccolò van Westerhout, theatrical performances, book presentations at the Culture Club Cafè bookstore, and roundtable discussions on culture and sustainable tourism involving organizers, experts, and administrators. The festival’s historic venues tell the story of the city’s beauty on their own:

• Teatro Niccolò van Westerhout, dedicated to the local composer, hosting the main concerts and shows
• Angioino-Aragonese Castle, overlooking the harbor
• Palazzo Roberti and other historic palaces in the center
• Culture Club Cafè Bookstore, the hub for literary meetings

Discovering Apulia

The project also includes excursions and guided tours that take students and guests to discover some of the region's most beautiful destinations, from nearby Polignano a Mare to Monopoli, Trani, Alberobello, and Castel del Monte. Le Sirene di Marzo thus becomes an opportunity to experience Mola di Bari and Apulia in the off-season, when the territory reveals its most authentic side.

With its blend of advanced musical training, live performance, and heritage promotion, Le Sirene di Marzo has quickly established itself as one of the most original cultural offerings in the Apulian spring calendar.