Pleasures of Art
The summer cultural review at Villa Lanfranchi in Santa Maria del Piano
About Pleasures of Art
A cultural season in a 16th-century villa
In the heart of the Parma countryside, in the hamlet of Santa Maria del Piano in the Municipality of Lesignano de' Bagni (Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna), Villa Lanfranchi opens its gates every summer for the Piaceri d'Arte review. The villa, built in the 16th century and once known as Ca' Fusari, is one of the oldest residences in the area: a sober 17th-century structure overlooking a refined Italian garden adorned with statues, where music, theatre, and art find an exceptional setting.
The Mario Lanfranchi Foundation
The review is promoted by the Mario Lanfranchi Foundation, established by the testamentary will of the famous director who lived in the villa with his wife, the American soprano Anna Moffo. The Foundation aims to promote cultural and artistic activities themed around women and preserves the memory of one of the most beloved voices of 20th-century opera. Villa Lanfranchi is now a house-museum that also opens to the public during the International Days of House Museums.
Homage to Anna Moffo in 2026
The 2026 edition of Piaceri d'Arte celebrates the soprano Anna Moffo twenty years after her death, with a program that blends great Italian songs, jazz, theatre, and opera. Nine titles will be presented from late May to late August, ranging from aperitif performances in the garden to major end-of-season events, including the inauguration of a photographic exhibition dedicated to the diva.
Aperitifs under the stars, opera, and theatre
- Aperitif performances in the villa's garden, combining live music, readings, and tastings in an intimate atmosphere;
- International jazz, with guests like singer Denise King from Philadelphia;
- Opera, with titles such as Pergolesi's La serva padrona performed by the University of Parma Orchestra;
- The bel canto of the Teatro Regio's Accademia Verdiana in memory of Anna Moffo;
- Spoken word theatre and photographic exhibitions held in the historic spaces of the residence.
A territorial project
Piaceri d'Arte is realised in collaboration with the Municipality of Lesignano de' Bagni and with the contribution of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli di Parma (Wine and Flavours Route of the Parma Hills), in constant dialogue between culture, landscape, and the food and wine of the Parma hills. Events generally take place in the late afternoon or evening, when the garden and the villa's small theatre become a stage for the audience. Admission is by free donation and booking is always mandatory, given the limited capacity of the spaces.
Pleasures of Art — edition 2026
The fifth season of Piaceri d'Arte transforms Villa Lanfranchi, in Santa Maria del Piano, Lesignano de' Bagni, into a widespread stage dedicated to the memory of Anna Moffo. Nine titles accompany the audience from spring to summer, alternating aperitif performances in the Italian garden with more solemn events at the end of August. The review is promoted by the Mario Lanfranchi Foundation with the Municipality of Lesignano de' Bagni and the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori.
Programme Pleasures of Art 2026
Aperitif performances in the garden (May 23 and 30, June 6)
- "Parlami d'amore Mariù. At the origins of Italian song" — PianoVoiceX3 Trio, a journey into Italian song of the thirties and forties.
- "Exactly one month. Journey into the plain" — Carlo Ferrari, from Cavazzoni.
- "Première Étude sur Piaf" — Clelia Cicero (voice) and Corrado Caruana (guitar), homage to Édith Piaf.
Summer Jazz
- July 3 — Concert by jazz singer Denise King, from Philadelphia.
End of August events
- August 23 — Inauguration of the photographic exhibition "Anna Moffo diva and woman", curated by Eles Iotti.
- August 26 — "La serva padrona" by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, with the University of Parma Orchestra conducted by Stefano Zinetti.
- August 28 — "Remembering Anna Moffo", a bel canto evening with the Accademia Verdiana of the Teatro Regio di Parma, piano by Francesco Izzo.
- August 30 — "La Molli. Fun behind Joyce's back", with Arianna Scommegna.
The precise times of each event will be communicated from time to time on the channels of the Mario Lanfranchi Foundation.
Highlights Pleasures of Art 2026
- Homage to Anna Moffo twenty years after her death, with the photographic exhibition "Anna Moffo diva and woman".
- Pergolesi's "La serva padrona" with the University of Parma Orchestra conducted by Stefano Zinetti.
- Bel canto by the Accademia Verdiana of the Teatro Regio di Parma.
- International jazz by Denise King from Philadelphia.
Prices Pleasures of Art 2026
Practical information — Pleasures of Art
Location
Villa Lanfranchi, Via Martiri della Libertà 72, hamlet Santa Maria del Piano, Lesignano de' Bagni (PR), Postal Code 43037.
How to get there
By car: Santa Maria del Piano can be reached from Parma in about 25 minutes via the SP665 towards the hills. Nearest motorway exit: Parma (A1). The closest train station is Parma, from where you can continue by car or local transport towards Lesignano de' Bagni.
Tickets and reservations
Admission to events is by free donation (voluntary contribution). Booking is mandatory for every event: telephone +39 347 2505428, email [email protected], or via WhatsApp at the number indicated from time to time on the Foundation's channels.
Tips
The spaces have limited capacity: early booking is recommended. For evening events in the garden, it is advisable to bring a warmer layer.
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Where does it take place — Pleasures of Art
Villa Lanfranchi
Via Martiri della Libertà 72, Santa Maria del Piano, 43037 Lesignano de' Bagni