Pianofortissimo & Talenti
Classical music under the stars in the heart of Bologna
About Pianofortissimo & Talenti
Thirteen evenings of music under the stars
Pianofortissimo & Talenti is one of the most beloved summer reviews in Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna. Promoted by Bologna Festival in collaboration with the Inedita Association and with the artistic direction of Alberto Spano, the event offers thirteen concerts each summer that blend classical repertoire, jazz, modern classical, and musical theater. The common thread is talent: alongside established performers, young pianists and chamber musicians take the stage, often winners of prestigious international competitions, many of whom are making their Bologna debut.
The Archiginnasio Courtyard, an open-air stage
The heart of the review is the Courtyard of the Archiginnasio Library, in Piazza Galvani, one of the most fascinating spaces in Bologna's historic center. Under the sixteenth-century arcades and the summer sky, the intimate acoustics of the courtyard create a refined atmosphere, ideal for listening to piano and chamber music. Some events are held in other evocative locations in the city and surrounding area, such as the Church of Santa Cristina della Fondazza and, outside the city, the archaeological area of Marzabotto, in the province of Bologna.
Between great names and new generations
The Pianofortissimo section is dedicated to solo piano recitals, with performers presenting complete works, thematic programs, and explorations of the great Romantic and contemporary repertoire. The Talenti section broadens the scope to chamber music, with quartets, trios, and ensembles of young instrumentalists. Over the years, the review has hosted winners of the world's most important piano competitions, offering the Bolognese public the opportunity to hear artists destined to shine on the international stage in advance.
A popular and accessible review
With affordable tickets and an evening format that invites you to experience summer in the city, Pianofortissimo & Talenti has become a regular fixture in the Bologna Estate program. The concerts, which usually start at 9:00 PM, combine artistic quality with an informal atmosphere, introducing classical music to those who do not regularly attend concert halls. It's a special way to discover Bologna's historic center in a nocturnal and musical setting.
Pianofortissimo & Talenti — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Pianofortissimo & Talenti, scheduled from June 9 to July 13 in the Courtyard of the Archiginnasio Library, offers thirteen events under the banner of great music. Promoted by Bologna Festival and the Inedita Association with the artistic direction of Alberto Spano, the review alternates classical, jazz, modern classical, and musical theater, giving space to established performers and a new generation of pianists who have won international competitions.
Programme Pianofortissimo & Talenti 2026
Thirteen concerts from June 9 to July 13, 2026. Concerts start at 9:00 PM in the Archiginnasio Courtyard (unless otherwise indicated).
June 9 — Sofia Donato
- 9:00 PM — Young Bolognese pianist Sofia Donato opens the review with music by Bach, Chopin, and Schumann.
June 11 — Lella Costa and Alberto Nosè
- 9:00 PM — Concert-performance Il pianoforte a vela (The Sailing Piano), with actress Lella Costa and pianist Alberto Nosè, dedicated to Gianni Rodari and Remo Vinciguerra. (Repeat on June 12 at the archaeological area of Marzabotto.)
June 15 — Doré Quartet
- 9:00 PM — Event from the Talenti section with the Doré Quartet.
June 18 — Jaeden Izik-Dzurko
- 9:00 PM — Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024, in a program with Scriabin, Schumann, Rachmaninov, and Franck.
June 25 — Andrea Vanzo
- 9:00 PM — Pianist and composer Andrea Vanzo, a voice of Italian modern classical, with music inspired by nature and landscapes.
June 30 — Orchestra Senzaspine
- 9:00 PM — Concert with the Orchestra Senzaspine.
July 2 — Cristiano Burato
- 9:00 PM — Cristiano Burato performs the complete 21 Waltzes by Chopin.
July 7 — A Bu
- 9:00 PM — Chinese pianist A Bu, trained at the Juilliard School, between classical and jazz.
July 9 — Maya Oganyan
- 9:00 PM — Young Armenian pianist Maya Oganyan, with music by Debussy, Scriabin, and Chopin.
The calendar includes further events from the Pianofortissimo and Talenti sections until July 13. For the complete and updated program, please refer to the official Bologna Festival website.
Highlights Pianofortissimo & Talenti 2026
- Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024
- The complete 21 Waltzes by Chopin with Cristiano Burato
- The concert-performance Il pianoforte a vela with Lella Costa and Alberto Nosè
- The jazz piano of A Bu, a Juilliard School student
Prices Pianofortissimo & Talenti 2026
Practical information — Pianofortissimo & Talenti
Where
Courtyard of the Archiginnasio Library, Piazza Galvani 1, Bologna (40124). Some concerts in alternative venues (Church of Santa Cristina della Fondazza; archaeological area of Marzabotto).
Times
Concerts generally start at 9:00 PM.
Tickets
Affordable tickets, on sale online at vivaticket.it and in advance at Bologna Welcome (Piazza Maggiore 1/E). Booking is recommended for the most popular concerts.
How to get there
The Archiginnasio Courtyard is located in the heart of the historic center, a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. From Bologna Centrale station, it can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes or by city buses. It is advisable to leave cars in peripheral parking lots, given the limited traffic zone in the center.
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Where does it take place — Pianofortissimo & Talenti
Cortile della Biblioteca dell'Archiginnasio
Piazza Galvani 1, 40124 Bologna