OrgaNova โ International Organ Concert Season
The international organ festival at Santa Maria del Passo in Mola di Bari
About OrgaNova
OrgaNova: The organ takes center stage in Mola di Bari
OrgaNova is the international organ concert season that brings life to Mola di Bari, a coastal town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. The festival was born from the rebranding of the historic Santa Maria del Passo International Organ Festival and in 2026 marks its 17th edition: an ambitious cultural project that looks to the future while honoring its roots, placing organ music at the heart of the local cultural scene.
A program between the sacred and the international
The program features over twenty concerts throughout the year and goes beyond the traditional organ repertoire: the organ engages in dialogue with opera and Gregorian chant, wind instruments, strings, percussion, and early instruments, as well as other arts such as poetry, drama, silent cinema, set design, and dance. The artistic direction is entrusted to organist Margherita Sciddurlo, who curates the selection of performers and the thematic threads of the season.
The churches and historic organs
The concerts are primarily held in two places of worship in the historic center of Mola di Bari: the Church of Sant'Antonio, the historic home of the Santa Maria del Passo festival, which houses a fine Petrus de' Simone organ from 1747, and the Church of San Domenico, featuring an F. Zanin organ from 2018. These instruments tell stories of different eras and sensibilities, offering guest organists a rich palette of sounds.
Performers from across Europe
OrgaNova is a truly international showcase: alongside Italian organists and ensembles from the "Nino Rota" Conservatory of Monopoli, the season hosts soloists from Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, and Japan. Each concert is designed as a thematic journey, from the Baroque to Romanticism, and from the art of transcription to contemporary musical languages.
Organizers
The festival is promoted and organized by the Arte & Musica Cultural Association, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Apulia Region, in collaboration with the Municipality of Mola di Bari and the Pasquale Battista Foundation. Admission to all concerts is free until capacity is reached, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
OrgaNova โ edition 2026
OrgaNova 2026 โ 17th Edition
The 2026 season of OrgaNova in Mola di Bari opens on Saturday, February 14, in the Church of San Domenico with "From Eros to Agape," a concert for organ and baritone featuring Margherita Sciddurlo and Gerardo Spinelli. The program, curated by artistic director Margherita Sciddurlo, continues throughout the year with over twenty events alternating organ recitals, choral and instrumental ensembles, and multidisciplinary programs.
Selected season highlights
- February 14 โ "From Eros to Agape," M. Sciddurlo (organ) and G. Spinelli (baritone), Church of San Domenico;
- March 22 โ Arturo Barba Sevillano (Spain), "Between Spanish freshness and German rigor," Church of Sant'Antonio;
- April 12 โ Students of the organ classes of the "Nino Rota" Conservatory of Monopoli, "Organ Vespers at San Domenico";
- April 26 โ Francesca De Santis, "The art of transcription: from classical to jazz," Church of Sant'Antonio;
- May 30 โ Giovanna Tricarico (organ) and Michele Tricarico (recorders), "La Suave Melodia";
- June 13 โ Polyphonic Choir and Brass Quartet of the Monopoli Conservatory, "In memory of Nino Rota";
- June 28 โ Giuseppe Fanelli, "From the light of the Baroque to the shadow of Romanticism."
The season also hosts international soloists from Switzerland, Denmark, and Japan, confirming the festival's European vocation. Admission to all concerts is free until capacity is reached.
Programme OrgaNova 2026
OrgaNova 2026 Program (selection)
- February 14 โ "From Eros to Agape": Margherita Sciddurlo (organ), Gerardo Spinelli (baritone) โ Church of San Domenico
- March 22 โ Arturo Barba Sevillano (Spain): "Between Spanish freshness and German rigor" โ Church of Sant'Antonio
- April 12 โ Students of the "Nino Rota" Conservatory of Monopoli: "Organ Vespers at San Domenico"
- April 26 โ Francesca De Santis: "The art of transcription: from classical to jazz" โ Church of Sant'Antonio
- May 30 โ Giovanna Tricarico (organ) and Michele Tricarico (recorders): "La Suave Melodia"
- June 13 โ Polyphonic Choir and Brass Quartet of the Monopoli Conservatory: "In memory of Nino Rota"
- June 28 โ Giuseppe Fanelli: "From the light of the Baroque to the shadow of Romanticism"
The festival continues with further concerts until December, featuring international guests (Switzerland, Denmark, Japan) and programs blending organ, voice, early instruments, and performing arts.
Highlights OrgaNova 2026
Prices OrgaNova 2026
Practical information — OrgaNova
Location
Concerts take place at the Church of Sant'Antonio (Santa Maria del Passo) and the Church of San Domenico, in the historic center of Mola di Bari (BA).
How to get there
By train: Mola di Bari station is on the Adriatic line (Trenitalia), just a few minutes from the center. By car: take the Mola di Bari exit from the SS16 Adriatica highway, then follow signs for the town center. By plane: Bari-Palese "Karol Wojtyลa" Airport is approximately 30 km away, with rail connections to Mola.
Admission
Admission is free until capacity is reached. Arriving early is recommended, especially for the most popular concerts.
Contact
Associazione Culturale Arte & Musica โ tel. +39 340 3761550.
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Where does it take place โ OrgaNova
Chiesa di Sant'Antonio (Santa Maria del Passo) e Chiesa di San Domenico