Spring Music

An evening of sacred music in the Susa Valley

Spring Music is the choral concert hosted by the Mater Ecclesiae Polyphonic Choir in Almese, located in the Susa Valley, in the Province of Turin. The festival takes place in the evocative Natività di Maria Vergine Parish Church, on Via Avigliana, and stands as one of the most anticipated events in the musical season of the Municipality of Almese, drawing choral music enthusiasts from across the entire Piedmontese foothills.

The featured choirs

The evening's format showcases various polyphonic groups from Piedmont, each with its own conductor and repertoire. Alongside the host, the Mater Ecclesiae Choir, guest choirs from iconic sites of sacred musical tradition in the Susa Valley and Turin perform, including the choir of the Novalesa Abbey and that of the Sanctuary of San Pancrazio in Pianezza. The concert traditionally concludes with a piece performed by the combined choirs, a moment of great choral intensity.

The repertoire

The program spans the great names of European sacred music: from Gregorian chant and the Renaissance polyphony of Tomás Luis de Victoria to Romantic and late-Romantic composers such as Felix Mendelssohn, Gabriel Fauré, Heinrich Schütz, and Josef Rheinberger. The choral voices are accompanied by the church organ and enriched by the presence of soloists, baritones, and sopranos.

The Mater Ecclesiae Choir

Founded in Almese in the late 1970s by Silvano Bertolo, who still leads it today, the Mater Ecclesiae Polyphonic Choir has built a rich repertoire over the years, particularly dedicated to the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Holy Week. The ensemble has also tackled major symphonic-choral works, from Mozart's Requiem to Fauré's, from Vivaldi's Magnificat to Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, performing in prestigious venues such as the Rai Auditorium and the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Turin.

An event for the community

Spring Music is much more than a concert: it is a gathering for the Almese community and for choral music lovers throughout the Susa Valley. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Almese, the Valmessa Pastoral Unit, the Piedmontese Choirs Association, and Organalia. Admission is completely free until all seats are filled.