Santa Cecilia at the Basilica of Maxentius

A historic return to the archaeological heart of Rome

In the summer of 2026, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia returns to perform at the Basilica of Maxentius, inside the Colosseum Archaeological Park, following a forty-seven-year absence. Between June 21, 1933, and August 2, 1979, the great imperial naves hosted over 650 concerts, serving as the beating heart of Rome's musical summers. With this series, running from July 2 to 29, 2026, that tradition is reborn in Rome's District I, in the Lazio region, offering the public eight evenings under the stars in one of the city's most evocative monumental settings.

Eight evenings of symphony, dance, and cinema

The program alternates between great repertoire masterpieces and forays into dance and film music. The series opens on July 2 with the Tchaikovsky Gala, featuring the Accademia Orchestra conducted by Manfred Honeck with pianist Alexander Malofeev. It continues with The Four Seasons Danced in a hip-hop reinterpretation by choreographer Mourad Merzouki, followed by a celebration of the cinematic world of two-time Oscar winner Alexandre Desplat, who will take the podium to conduct his own film scores.

In the second half of the month, the program features the Verdi Gala conducted by Diego Ceretta, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with Stefano Bollani on piano and Daniel Harding conducting, a Chopin nocturne recital with young pianist Martina Meola, Mozart's Requiem led by Jérémie Rhorer, and a closing performance of Baroque music by the Concerto Köln ensemble featuring works by Handel and Vivaldi.

The Basilica of Maxentius, a monumental stage

Built in the early 4th century and completed under Constantine, the Basilica of Maxentius is one of the most imposing structures in the Roman Forum. Its colossal arches, illuminated for the occasion, transform every concert into an experience that blends archaeology, history, and great live music. Performances begin at 9:00 PM, as the heat of the day gives way to the cool Roman evening.

A major production

The return to the Basilica of Maxentius represents a significant production effort for the Accademia: approximately one hundred orchestra members, seventy chorus artists, the Conservatory Orchestra ensembles, and the musicians of Concerto Köln will perform. It is a testament to the commitment to restoring a signature event of the capital's cultural summer to Rome and the Lazio region.

An event for the city and its visitors

Designed for classical music enthusiasts and summer tourists alike, the series offers a unique way to experience Rome's historic center after sunset. The combination of an international program and the evocative power of the archaeological site makes Santa Cecilia at the Basilica of Maxentius one of the highlights of the Roman July.