SaxFest
The saxophone festival at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome
About SaxFest
A festival dedicated to the saxophone in the heart of Rome
SaxFest is the event that transforms the Santa Cecilia State Conservatory of Music in Rome into a home for the saxophone every spring. The venue is one of the most prestigious in the capital: the historic complex at Via dei Greci 18, in the Campo Marzio district, just steps away from the Spanish Steps and the Tridente area in Rome. Its halls—specifically the Sala Medaglioni and the Sala Accademica—host a packed three-day program open to the public.
Concerts, masterclasses, lectures, and workshops
The festival, curated by Maestro Enzo Filippetti, a saxophone professor at the Conservatory, offers a multidisciplinary format that combines evening concerts with a rich calendar of masterclasses, lectures, and workshops. The goal is to showcase the saxophone in all its forms: from classical and orchestral repertoire to contemporary music and experimentation, covering technique, pedagogy, and even the history of Italian instrument makers and patents.
- Concerts featuring soloists, ensembles, and saxophone quartets
- Masterclasses led by prominent performers, open to students
- Lectures on repertoire, technique, and the history of the instrument
- Workshops and networking opportunities for teachers and young musicians
Between tradition and avant-garde
The hallmark of SaxFest is the continuous dialogue between the past and the present. As a relatively recent instrument, the saxophone bridges the gap between classical music, popular styles, jazz, and contemporary writing. The festival highlights this duality by hosting major international names alongside Conservatory students, providing a showcase for the new generation of Italian saxophonists.
A free event open to the city
Historically, SaxFest is a free admission event, subject to seat availability. This makes it a precious opportunity not only for professionals but for the entire city of Rome: a way to discover a fascinating instrument in a landmark of Italian musical education. The festival has become a staple of the Roman spring music scene.
SaxFest — edition 2026
SaxFest 2026 — 8th edition
The eighth edition of SaxFest was held from April 22 to 24, 2026, at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Music in Rome, across the Sala Medaglioni and the Sala Accademica. Three days of great music "between tradition and avant-garde," featuring concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and workshops dedicated to the saxophone and its many voices, from classical orchestral repertoire to contemporary experimentation. The artistic direction was entrusted to Maestro Enzo Filippetti.
Highlights included the "Hot to sax" concert on April 22 (6:00 PM, Sala Medaglioni) and an inaugural masterclass by soloist Gaetano di Bacco, saxophone professor at the Pescara Conservatory. The edition was preceded on February 6, 2026, by a preview concert featuring saxophonist Christian Maurer and pianist Ann Maurer in the Conservatory Library.
Programme SaxFest 2026
2026 Program
- Preview — February 6, 2026: concert by Christian Maurer (saxophone) and Ann Maurer (piano) with Conservatory students, Conservatory Library.
- Tuesday, April 22: "Hot to sax" concert, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Sala Medaglioni; masterclass by Gaetano di Bacco.
- April 23-24: continuation of concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and workshops between Sala Medaglioni and Sala Accademica, with in-depth sessions on repertoire, technique, and the history of Italian instrument makers.
For full details on times and performers, please refer to the official flyer and the Conservatory website.
Highlights SaxFest 2026
- Three days entirely dedicated to the saxophone in the heart of Rome
- "Hot to sax" concert in the Sala Medaglioni
- Masterclass by soloist Gaetano di Bacco
- Preview concert by Christian Maurer and Ann Maurer
- Free admission
Prices SaxFest 2026
Practical information — SaxFest
Location
Conservatorio di Musica "Santa Cecilia", Via dei Greci 18, 00187 Rome (Campo Marzio district, Tridente / Spanish Steps area).
Getting there
The venue is in Rome's historic center: Metro Line A, Spagna or Flaminio stop, just a few minutes' walk away. Numerous bus lines serve the Via del Corso and Piazza del Popolo area. We recommend using public transport to reach the Conservatory, given the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) in the city center.
Admission
Free admission subject to availability. For updated information on schedules and programs, call +39 06 36096720 or visit the official Conservatory website.
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Where does it take place — SaxFest
Conservatorio di Musica "Santa Cecilia"
Via dei Greci 18, 00187 Roma