Serravalle Jazz
Four evenings of great jazz at the Rocca di Castruccio
About Serravalle Jazz
Serravalle Jazz: Signature jazz within medieval walls
Founded in 2002, Serravalle Jazz is one of the most beloved events for music lovers in the province of Pistoia and across Tuscany. Every year at the end of August, the village of Serravalle Pistoiese transforms into an open-air stage: the main concerts are held in the scenic Rocca di Castruccio, a medieval fortress that overlooks the Valdinievole and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
A festival bridging master musicians and new productions
The Serravalle Jazz formula has remained clear and consistent: a few evenings of the highest quality, with a special focus on jazz masters and original productions. Over the years, the festival has hosted nationally and internationally renowned musicians, alternating between soloists, ensembles, and orchestras. Alongside the evening concerts, the program features afternoon meetings dedicated to the history and culture of jazz, including book presentations and guided listening sessions in the former Oratory of the Vergine Assunta.
The 25th edition in 2026
In 2026, Serravalle Jazz celebrates a major milestone: its twenty-fifth edition, scheduled from August 23rd to 26th. Four evenings featuring some of the most prestigious names on the jazz scene, ranging from Italian piano virtuosos to Afro-Cuban roots and new productions showcasing young talent.
A unique setting in the heart of the Valdinievole
What makes Serravalle Jazz special is not just the artistic caliber, but the constant dialogue between music and the local landscape. The Rocca di Castruccio, with its 14th-century tower and walls, provides natural acoustics and an intimate atmosphere far removed from large urban festivals. Organized by the Fondazione Teatri di Pistoia in partnership with the Municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese, with support from the Fondazione Caript and collaboration with Music Pool, the festival has always maintained affordable ticket prices to ensure great jazz is accessible to everyone.
- Evening concerts at the Rocca di Castruccio
- Afternoon meetings at the former Oratory of the Vergine Assunta
- Free concerts at the Torre del Barbarossa
- Free shuttle service from Masotti station
Serravalle Jazz — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Serravalle Jazz. Four evenings at the Rocca di Castruccio bring together some of the most prestigious names in Italian and international jazz, accompanied by original projects and young talents. The program is completed by afternoon meetings at the former Oratory of the Vergine Assunta and free concerts at the Torre del Barbarossa. The festival is organized by the Fondazione Teatri di Pistoia with the Municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese, with support from the Fondazione Caript and the collaboration of Music Pool.
Programme Serravalle Jazz 2026
Sunday, August 23 — 9:00 PM
- BargaJazz Orchestra conducted by Mario Raja, celebrating 40 years of activity with the Wonder in Jazz project, dedicated to Stevie Wonder, featuring harmonica player Grégoire Maret as a special guest.
Monday, August 24 — 9:00 PM
- Enrico Pieranunzi with the Chet Remembered project, a tribute to Chet Baker, accompanied by his quintet (Michele Polga, Giacomo Serino, Mauro Beggio, Luca Bulgarelli).
- During the evening, the 11th Renato Sellani Prize will be awarded; the recognition for young talent goes to Tommaso Mannelli.
Tuesday, August 25 — 9:00 PM
- Opening with Giulia Impache (vocals and composition) together with Jacopo Acquafresca and Andrea Marazzi.
- Omar Sosa with Sendas, a collection of solo piano improvisations blending artistic research with Afro-Cuban roots.
- At sunset, a free concert by Javier Girotto (sax solo) at the Torre del Barbarossa.
Wednesday, August 26 — 9:00 PM
- Opening with Tommaso Mannelli (sax and composition) and the My Worlds project, the result of an artistic residency.
- Nico Gori with Music Around the Clarinet, a journey into the expressive qualities of the clarinet, accompanied by an ensemble of prominent musicians.
Afternoon meetings at the former Oratory of the Vergine Assunta — 3:15 PM, free admission
- August 23 — Una domenica di giugno by Andrea Giuntini (Bill Evans at the Village Vanguard, 1961)
- August 24 — Listening and storytelling session around A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
- August 25 — Portrait of Brad Mehldau with Sergio Pasquandrea and Carlo Morena
- August 26 — The Extrasensory Perceptions of Miles Davis (E.S.P. album, 1965)
Highlights Serravalle Jazz 2026
Prices Serravalle Jazz 2026
Practical information — Serravalle Jazz
Getting there
Serravalle Pistoiese is located in the Valdinievole, in the province of Pistoia. By car, it can be reached via the A11 Florence-Mare motorway (exit at Pistoia or Montecatini Terme). By train, the nearest station is Masotti, from which a free shuttle service to the Rocca runs during the festival, approximately from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM every evening.
Tickets
Evening concerts at the Rocca di Castruccio cost €5 per night, or you can purchase a four-evening pass for €12. Advance sales open at the end of May at the Teatro Manzoni box office in Pistoia, via the boxol.it circuit, and at the municipal offices of Serravalle Pistoiese. Afternoon meetings at the former Oratory and concerts at the Torre del Barbarossa are free of charge until capacity is reached.
Tips
In case of bad weather, concerts will be moved to the Piccolo Teatro Mauro Bolognini in Pistoia. We recommend arriving early to enjoy the view from the Rocca at sunset.
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Where does it take place — Serravalle Jazz
Rocca di Castruccio
Rocca di Castruccio, Via di Castruccio, 51030 Serravalle Pistoiese