Musica da Bere

A festival that quenches the soul

In Santa Maria Maggiore, the recognized capital of Val Vigezzo in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, summer sounds like Musica da Bere. The festival, now a staple of the town's summer calendar, brings great music to the green heart of the village, amidst the Art Nouveau architecture and gardens that have made this Alpine destination in north-eastern Piedmont famous.

Two souls: classical and pop

The festival thrives on two complementary sections. Musica da Bere Classica, under the artistic direction of Maestro Roberto Bassa, offers a series of high-level concerts featuring string quartets, vocal and instrumental ensembles, and recitals ranging from Mozart to Brahms and the Italian operatic repertoire. Alongside the classical side, Musica da Bere Pop is entrusted to the energy of the young members of the Pirates of Rock association, who curate evenings dedicated to the history of rock and Italian singer-songwriters.

A multidisciplinary program

Over the years, the festival has become increasingly multidisciplinary: in addition to concerts, the lineup is enriched with dance performances and participatory moments like the "In panchina" (On the Bench) flash mobs, designed to involve the audience in an informal and unexpected way. The result is a journey that accompanies residents and tourists throughout the summer, from the first Sunday of July until Ferragosto.

Villa Antonia Park, a natural stage

The heart of the event is Villa Antonia Park, the historic garden that becomes an open-air auditorium for musical evenings. In case of bad weather, concerts move to the Municipal Theatre, while some side events take place in other locations around the village. Free admission and the convivial atmosphere, often accompanied by a zero-kilometer aperitivo, make Musica da Bere an experience suitable for families, enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike.

Why it's worth the trip to Val Vigezzo

Attending a Musica da Bere concert means combining great listening with a visit to one of the most evocative valleys in the Ossola region, the "Valley of Painters," with its frescoed houses and fresh mountain air. A simple and successful formula: quality music, free entry, and the beauty of Santa Maria Maggiore as a backdrop.