Seicentonovecento Festival of Ancient and Modern Music

The Seicentonovecento Festival in San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore

The Seicentonovecento Festival of Ancient and Modern Music is one of the longest-running musical events in Abruzzo. Founded in the late 1990s and reaching its twenty-eighth edition in 2026, it is organised by the Ensemble '900 Association, a historic musical institution from Pescara directed by violinist Pierluigi Mencattini. The festival is itinerant, travelling each year through numerous towns in the region and bringing early music performed on period instruments to local churches, historic palaces, and museums.

An event in the Val Pescara village

In San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, a small town in the province of Pescara overlooking the valley at the foot of the Majella massif, the festival finds one of its most evocative settings. Concerts are held in the village's sacred spaces, such as the Church of San Rocco and the Cathedral, where the acoustics and intimate atmosphere enhance the Baroque repertoire. The architectural and landscape setting of the historic centre makes every performance an experience that blends music, art, and heritage.

The repertoire and performers

The Seicentonovecento programme ranges from 17th and 18th-century music to more recent works, with a particular focus on the Italian and European Baroque repertoire. Over the years, the festival has hosted internationally renowned musicians and regularly features specialised ensembles such as Labirinto Armonico, performing on recorders, Baroque violins, viola da gamba, violone, and harpsichord.

High-quality music with free admission

One of the festival's hallmarks is free admission to all concerts. The event was founded with a cultural and charitable mission, and over time it has linked part of its initiatives to supporting scientific research for the Mario Negri Sud Foundation. The artistic value of the festival has been recognised over the years with official honours, including the medal of the President of the Republic.

A cultural heritage of Abruzzo

With its travelling format, Seicentonovecento is much more than a simple concert season: it is a project to enhance the territory, connecting the villages of Abruzzo through music. For San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, it represents a precious cultural and tourist attraction, capable of drawing enthusiasts and visitors into the heart of the Pescara province.