Palio della Balestra Concert
The musical evening that opens the Palio della Balestra of Gubbio, in the evocative Church of Santa Maria al Corso
About Palio della Balestra Concert
The Palio della Balestra and its musical evening
The Palio della Balestra is one of the oldest and most prestigious historical events in Gubbio, in the province of Perugia: the challenge with the Italian historical crossbow between the crossbowmen of Gubbio and those of rival Sansepolcro, in Renaissance costume, in Piazza Grande. Within the program of the Palio days, there is also a refined cultural moment: the Concerto del Palio della Balestra.
Music in the Church of Santa Maria al Corso
The concert is held in the evocative Church of Santa Maria al Corso, in the historic center of Gubbio. The protagonist is the brass quintet Ikuvium Brass, which presents a repertoire ranging from the great American tradition of the twentieth century to the classics of Italian opera. The evening also includes a solemn moment dedicated to the memory of the deceased crossbowmen.
Tradition, identity, and culture
The Palio della Balestra represents, in the words of the organizers, "one of the most precious assets of the city's identity" of Gubbio. The concert is an integral part of it: an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Palio also through music, in collaboration with the Gubbio Municipal Band and young local musicians.
Palio della Balestra Concert — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Concerto del Palio della Balestra takes place on Friday, May 29, at 9:15 PM in the Church of Santa Maria al Corso, in Gubbio. The evening opens with the quintet Ikuvium Brass — Simone Vagnarelli, Sergio Cippiciani, Lara Morotti, Andrea Angeloni, and Leonardo Ceccarelli — in a program featuring music by Gershwin, Copland, Dvořák, Bernstein, and Berlin. This is followed by a moment dedicated to the memory of the deceased crossbowmen with the original composition Pavane Pour Une Arbalétrier Defunte by Simone Vagnarelli. The grand finale is entrusted to the Ikuvium Brass Ensemble, which combines the Gubbio Municipal Band with musicians from local schools, with a repertoire dedicated to Puccini, Morricone, and Verdi. The concert is part of the 2026 Palio della Balestra days, which this year features novelties such as the new Palio created by master ceramicist Leo Grilli.
Programme Palio della Balestra Concert 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026 — 9:15 PM, Church of Santa Maria al Corso
- Ikuvium Brass Quintet — music by Gershwin, Copland, Dvořák, Bernstein, and Berlin
- Moment to remember deceased crossbowmen — "Pavane Pour Une Arbalétrier Defunte" by Simone Vagnarelli
- Finale with the Ikuvium Brass Ensemble (Gubbio Municipal Band and school musicians) — repertoire dedicated to Puccini, Morricone, and Verdi
Quintet musicians: Simone Vagnarelli, Sergio Cippiciani, Lara Morotti, Andrea Angeloni, Leonardo Ceccarelli.
Highlights Palio della Balestra Concert 2026
Prices Palio della Balestra Concert 2026
Practical information — Palio della Balestra Concert
How to get there
Gubbio is reachable by car from the SS298 (Gubbio-Mocaiana exit) or the E45; by train to Fossato di Vico-Gubbio or Perugia, then by bus. The Church of Santa Maria al Corso is located in the historic center, along the main street (Corso).
When and info
The concert is held in the evening, in the days preceding the Palio della Balestra (last Sunday of May). For information: IAT Gubbio, tel. +39 075 9220693.
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Where does it take place — Palio della Balestra Concert
Chiesa di Santa Maria al Corso
Chiesa di Santa Maria al Corso, Corso Garibaldi, 06024 Gubbio