Rome Music Festival – International Festival of Choirs and Orchestras

An international festival for choirs and orchestras in Rome

The Rome Music Festival – International Festival of Choirs and Orchestras is an annual event that transforms the Italian capital into a sprawling stage for choral and ensemble music every March. Now in its twelfth edition in 2026, the festival is organized by MRF-MusicFestivals and brings together choirs and orchestras from various European countries to perform in the churches and concert halls of Rome, in the Lazio region. This is not a competition, but a musical encounter designed for sharing, mutual listening, and cultural enrichment.

How it works: a non-competitive review

The non-competitive nature is the hallmark of the event. Each participating group—including mixed, male, female, children's, and youth choirs, as well as orchestral ensembles—presents a 30-45 minute program of their own choosing. There are no juries or rankings: the goal is the experience of performing in a highly evocative artistic and spiritual setting like Rome.

Venues: the capital's churches and concert halls

Concerts are held in historic churches and concert halls scattered throughout the urban fabric of Rome. The acoustics and atmosphere of the city's sacred buildings provide an ideal setting, especially for sacred music and classical repertoires, which resonate uniquely in these spaces. The city itself, with its artistic and religious heritage, becomes an integral part of the musical experience.

Five days of music and culture

The typical format spans five days: arrival and check-in, joint concerts, meetings and rehearsals with conductors, festival performances, and departure. In addition to the musical schedule, the program offers the opportunity for guided thematic tours dedicated to ancient, classical, and Christian Rome, as well as St. Peter's Basilica, completing the stay with a journey of discovery through the Eternal City.

An opportunity for cultural exchange

Open to choral and orchestral groups of all backgrounds, the Rome Music Festival is primarily a moment of cultural exchange between European musicians and conductors. Performing in Rome, in places steeped in history and spirituality, represents a milestone and an unforgettable memory for many ensembles. The event also contributes to enlivening the cultural offerings of the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region during the spring season.