Pergolesi Spontini Festival

The Pergolesi Spontini Festival, the musical heart of Vallesina

The Pergolesi Spontini Festival is the largest musical event in the Jesi and Vallesina area, in the heart of the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. Promoted by the Pergolesi Spontini Foundation, it takes its name from the two great composers linked to this land: Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, born in Jesi in 1710, and Gaspare Spontini, originally from Maiolati. Now in its XXVI edition in 2026, the festival confirms itself as a key event for the Marche cultural summer.

"Disarming Chords": the theme for 2026

The 2026 edition is titled "Disarming Chords", a journey that reflects on the power of music as a tool for dialogue, peace, and social cohesion. It is no coincidence that one of the symbolic events is the concert by Israeli singer Noa, who has always been committed to dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. From July 18 to September 21, 2026, over thirty events are scheduled, spanning diverse genres: from baroque to classical music, from jazz to pop, including theatre, dance, and cine-concerts.

A festival spread across the territory

While its heart is in the Cortile dell'ex Appannaggio and the G.B. Pergolesi Theatre in Jesi, the festival is a widespread event involving numerous municipalities in Vallesina: Jesi, Maiolati Spontini, Monsano, Morro d'Alba, Montecarotto, Monte Roberto, Poggio San Marcello, and San Paolo di Jesi. One of the most beloved formats is the concerts in the cellars, which combine classical music with the discovery of the territory and its wines, first and foremost Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

The great guests

The 2026 lineup features names of absolute prestige from the Italian and international scene. In addition to Noa, performers include Carmen Consoli, pianist Raphael Gualazzi, singer-songwriter Giovanni Caccamo with a tribute to Franco Battiato, actor Elio Germano with Teho Teardo, Gioele Dix with a tribute to Giorgio Gaber, as well as musicians Andrea Lucchesini and Miriam Prandi. The program is completed by cine-concerts dedicated to Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, shows for children and families, social inclusion projects, and original activities such as escape rooms within the historic Pergolesi Theatre.

A tradition looking to the future

Under the artistic direction of Cristian Carrara and the general direction of Lucia Chiatti, the Pergolesi Spontini Festival combines the valorization of the Marche musical heritage with a contemporary and popular program. It is this blend of high and popular, of baroque tradition and current languages, that makes it one of the most vibrant and recognizable events in the Marche region.