Quinto Flauto Festival
The international flute festival in the heart of Sicily
About Quinto Flauto Festival
The flute festival in the heart of Sicily
The Quinto Flauto Festival is an international musical event held in Calascibetta, a charming village perched in the province of Enna, in the geographical heart of Sicily. It is considered the only major event in the entire Sicilian region entirely dedicated to the transverse flute and piccolo, attracting musicians from numerous Italian and foreign cities.
The festival's name is a clever play on words: in organological tradition, the "quinto flauto" (fifth flute) refers to the piccolo, the smallest and highest-pitched member of the flute family. It is a clear tribute to the tonal richness of this instrument and the repertoire that celebrates it.
A program of competitions, masterclasses, and concerts
The event, organized by the "Antonino Giunta" Musical Association, chaired by Mario Bruno, and supported by the Municipality of Calascibetta, offers a diverse annual program that combines several elements:
- "Angelo Faja" International Competition — named in memory of the internationally renowned flutist and conductor, divided into several categories (from young beginners to seniors) and judged by a panel of distinguished masters.
- Masterclasses and seminars — including the "Aurèle Nicolet" Seminar, an opportunity to study and refine skills with world-class flutists.
- Evening recitals and concerts — hosted in the village's most evocative venues, from the Mother Church to the Municipal Theater.
Past editions have featured prestigious names in the international flute world such as Jean-Louis Beaumadier, Riccardo Ghiani, Naoyuki Hosokawa, and the Albisiphon Ensemble, alongside the Flute Orchestra.
Calascibetta and the surrounding area
Overlooking nearby Enna, Calascibetta is a medieval village of Arab-Norman origin that dominates the central Sicilian plateau. The festival venues — particularly the Mother Church, the Royal Palatine Chapel, and the Municipal Theater — provide a stunning historical backdrop for the concerts. For the public and participants, the festival is also an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Sicily, far from the beaten tourist path, and to experience the hospitality of the local accommodations in the Calascibetta and Enna area.
Quinto Flauto Festival — edition 2026
Quinto Flauto Festival 2026 — 6th edition
The sixth edition of the Quinto Flauto Festival is held in Calascibetta, in the province of Enna, from July 1st to 3rd, 2026. Organized by the "Antonino Giunta" Musical Association with the support of the Municipality of Calascibetta, it confirms the format that blends training, competition, and concerts.
The centerpiece of the festival is the 6th "Angelo Faja" International Competition, with rounds taking place on July 1st and 2nd, alongside the "Aurèle Nicolet" Seminar, masterclasses, and evening recitals. The 2026 edition was preceded by a preview on March 20th, 2026, which also involved young flute students from local schools.
Registration for the competition and training activities closed on June 20th, 2026; calls for applications and regulations remain available on the official website.
Programme Quinto Flauto Festival 2026
The festival takes place from July 1st to 3rd, 2026, in Calascibetta. The detailed day-by-day program with times and venues is published on the official website.
- July 1st and 2nd — Rounds of the 6th "Angelo Faja" International Competition, divided into several categories.
- "Aurèle Nicolet" Seminar and masterclasses dedicated to the transverse flute and piccolo.
- Evening concerts and recitals in the village's historic venues (Mother Church, Municipal Theater), including the awards ceremony and winners' concert.
The complete list of teachers and guests for the 2026 edition is published on the official website (quintoflautofestival.it).
Highlights Quinto Flauto Festival 2026
Prices Quinto Flauto Festival 2026
Practical information — Quinto Flauto Festival
How to get there
Calascibetta is located in the heart of Sicily, just a few kilometers from Enna. By car, it can be reached via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Enna exit), then continuing along the SS117bis. The nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa and Palermo-Punta Raisi, both just over an hour and a half away by car.
Registration and participation
Registration for the competition, masterclasses, and seminars is handled through the official website. For the 2026 edition, registration closed on June 20th. Evening concerts are generally open to the public.
Contacts and accommodation
Information, rules, and calls for applications are available on the official website (quintoflautofestival.it) and by emailing [email protected]. A list of bed & breakfasts in the Calascibetta and Enna area for participants is also published on the site.
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Where does it take place — Quinto Flauto Festival
Chiesa Madre (Regia Cappella Palatina) e Teatro Comunale