Summer Music in Tuscany

An international music festival in the village of Sarteano

Summer Music in Tuscany is a music festival and academy that brings the medieval village of Sarteano, located in the Valdichiana area of the Siena province, to life every summer. Founded in 2015, the event draws dozens of musicians from around the globe—instrumentalists and singers, ranging from emerging talents to established professionals—for two weeks of total immersion in rehearsals, private lessons, masterclasses, and concerts open to the public.

Throughout its history, the festival has welcomed over 250 international musicians, supported by world-class faculty from renowned orchestras, opera companies, conservatories, and chamber ensembles. The artistic direction is led by Courtney Kalbacker, who succeeded the founder Jim Millar, now Artistic Director Emeritus.

The Teatro degli Arrischianti, the heart of the festival

The festival's headquarters is the historic Teatro comunale degli Arrischianti, an 18th-century jewel with 45 boxes in the center of Sarteano. It serves as the venue for masterclasses and concerts, creating an intimate atmosphere that fosters a direct connection between the musicians and the local audience. Some performances are held outdoors under the loggias of Piazza XXIV Giugno, offering magical evenings of music under the Tuscan stars.

Repertoire and musical offerings

The program ranges from chamber music to opera scenes and arias, choral and madrigal singing, string and wind quartets, as well as duets, jazz combos, and larger ensembles. The result is an eclectic, high-quality festival that showcases both the talent of the participants and the expertise of the faculty.

Sarteano, a city of music

Renowned for its medieval castle, archaeological museum, and the famous Giostra del Saracino, Sarteano has also established itself as a city of music. Summer Music in Tuscany enriches the cultural calendar of the municipality and the Sienese Valdichiana, offering residents and visitors free world-class concerts. For those vacationing between Montepulciano, Chianciano Terme, and the Val d'Orcia, it is a precious opportunity to combine local discovery with exceptional live music.