Scatola Sonora - International Opera Festival
The international festival of opera and chamber musical theatre by the Vivaldi Conservatory
About Scatola Sonora
Scatola Sonora: chamber opera in Alessandria
Scatola Sonora is the international festival of small-scale opera and musical theatre promoted by the A. Vivaldi State Conservatory of Music in Alessandria. Conceived and curated by Professor Luca Valentino, lecturer in performing arts and artistic director of the festival, the event has made Palazzo Cuttica, in the city's historic centre, its natural stage. Born as a creative laboratory dedicated to contemporary musical theatre, it reaches its 29th edition in 2026, confirming its status as one of the most original fixtures in the Piedmontese opera scene.
A festival nurturing young talent
The most precious characteristic of Scatola Sonora is the central role given to the young musicians, singers, and directors of the Vivaldi Conservatory. The festival serves as both a showcase and a training ground: students take on the staging of operas and performances under the guidance of their professors, experiencing every phase of production from within, from direction to musical conducting, from set design to performance. It is this educational dimension, combined with artistic quality, that makes the festival unique in the region.
Opera, concerts, and musical theatre from May to October
The 2026 calendar runs from May to October and favours the "chamber" format, which brings the audience closer to the stage. The courtyard of Palazzo Cuttica hosts open-air opera productions, while the Pittaluga Auditorium hosts concerts. The programme alternates 20th-century works, lecture-performances, and narrative concerts, ranging from Benjamin Britten to Nino Rota.
Music and fine arts: a dialogue with the Accademia Albertina
An important part of the 29th edition is the encounter between music and visual arts, showcased by the exhibition All'Opera!, hosted at the Civic Museum of Palazzo Cuttica: a journey recounting nearly twenty years of collaboration between the Vivaldi Conservatory and the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti of Turin, featuring sketches, videos, and scenographic materials. The project is part of the international INAR (Italian Network of Artistic Research) network linked to World Expo 2026.
A landmark event for Alessandria and Piedmont
Supported by the Piedmont Region and the Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria Foundation, Scatola Sonora is now a cultural reference point for the city of Alessandria and the entire Province of Alessandria, in the heart of Piedmont. For opera enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to discover the genre in an intimate and refined setting, far from the grand theatres but with the same commitment to quality.
Scatola Sonora — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 29th, of Scatola Sonora confirms the festival's formula as a creative laboratory for the Vivaldi Conservatory of Alessandria. Artistically directed by Luca Valentino, it offers a calendar spread from May to October, with opera productions in the courtyard of Palazzo Cuttica and concerts at the Pittaluga Auditorium. The heart of the season features Britten's The Little Sweep and Nino Rota's I Due Timidi, alongside concerts and the All'Opera! exhibition, included in the international INAR project for World Expo 2026.
Programme Scatola Sonora 2026
May 14-16 - Palazzo Cuttica Courtyard
- The Little Sweep by Benjamin Britten — an opera addressing themes of child labour and marginalisation. Directed by Luca Valentino, conducted by Giovanni Battista Bergamo. School performances on May 14 and 15 (10:30 AM), family performance on May 16 (6:00 PM).
May 22-31 - Palazzo Cuttica Civic Museum
- Exhibition All'Opera! Creative encounters between the Vivaldi Conservatory and the Accademia Albertina (opening May 22 at 5:30 PM; open May 22-24 and 28-31, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM; special opening on June 2). Sketches, videos, and scenographic materials as part of the INAR project — World Expo 2026.
May 29 - Accademia Albertina, Turin
- Le Femmine d'Italia — lecture-performance, a journey through the great female characters of Italian opera.
June 18-19 - Palazzo Cuttica Courtyard
- I Due Timidi by Nino Rota — directed by Luca Valentino, musical direction by Giovanni Battista Bergamo.
June 26 - Pittaluga Auditorium
- Princess Evolution — thesis concert with Giada Bassino, Stefano Bolla, and Viden Spassov, in collaboration with the Vivaldi Jazz Fest.
October 3 - Pittaluga Auditorium
- San Francesco aulente fiore — narrative concert by the Zebo Ensemble, on the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Highlights Scatola Sonora 2026
Prices Scatola Sonora 2026
Practical information — Scatola Sonora
Location
The festival's main venue is Palazzo Cuttica, at Via Parma 1 in Alessandria (Piedmont): the courtyard hosts open-air operas and the Civic Museum houses the exhibition. Some concerts are held at the Pittaluga Auditorium of the Vivaldi Conservatory.
How to get there
Alessandria is easily accessible by train (the station is a major railway hub on the Turin-Genoa-Milan line) and by car via the A21 and A26 motorways. The historic centre, where Palazzo Cuttica is located, is a short distance from the station.
Tickets and information
Many events offer free admission subject to availability. For the updated programme, times, and any booking requirements, please contact the Vivaldi Conservatory (tel. +39 0131 051500, [email protected]) or visit the official website.
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Where does it take place — Scatola Sonora
Palazzo Cuttica
Via Parma 1, 15121 Alessandria