Syracuse Baroque Week
The summer festival of the Sicilian Baroque Orchestra in the heart of Syracuse
About Baroque Week
Syracuse Baroque Week
The Syracuse Baroque Week is the summer festival of the Sicilian Baroque Orchestra (OBS), one of the most established ensembles for early music in Southern Italy. Created to bring historically informed performance practice to a wider audience, the festival takes place every August in the municipality of Syracuse, in the province of Syracuse, transforming the city into a stage dedicated to the masterpieces of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Chiostro dei Cappuccini and festival venues
The heart of the event is the extraordinary Chiostro dei Cappuccini, an ancient convent whose arches and silence provide perfect acoustics and atmosphere for music played on period instruments. The program is further enriched by special events in other striking locations across the city and region, from open-air concerts overlooking the sea at Punta della Maddalena to performances in nearby Noto, a jewel of Sicilian Baroque.
Early music and international artists
The Baroque Week is more than just a series of concerts: it is a true laboratory for early music, with masterclasses dedicated to singing, baroque violin and cello, harpsichord, recorder, and dance, attracting young musicians from all over Italy to Sicily. The stage features internationally acclaimed soloists and conductors, premieres, and thematic programs that revolve around a major theme or composer each year.
A tribute to European Baroque in Sicily
As part of the wider concert season of the Sicilian Baroque Orchestra, the Baroque Week represents one of the most prestigious cultural events of the Syracusan summer. It combines the philological excellence of early music with the charm of the architectural heritage of south-eastern Sicily, in a continuous dialogue between Vivaldi, Albinoni, Marcello, Scarlatti, and the great masters of the European Baroque. It is a precious opportunity to discover or rediscover this repertoire in a UNESCO World Heritage city, where the beauty of the surroundings amplifies the emotional power of the music.
Baroque Week — edition 2026
2026 Edition: in the sign of Vivaldi
The sixth edition of the Syracuse Baroque Week takes place from August 6th to 11th, 2026 and is entirely dedicated to Antonio Vivaldi, in a special year that coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the Sicilian Baroque Orchestra.
The program evening by evening
- August 6, 9:15 PM - Noto (Convitto delle Arti): Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, with Valerio Losito as violin soloist and conductor.
- August 7, 9:15 PM - Chiostro dei Cappuccini: The Four Seasons, repeat performance in Syracuse with Valerio Losito.
- August 8, 9:15 PM - Chiostro dei Cappuccini: Vivaldi according to Vivaldi, with soprano Raffaella Milanesi, the Modo Antiquo ensemble, and Federico Maria Sardelli as narrator, based on his book of the same name.
- August 9, 7:30 PM - Punta della Maddalena: Anonimo Veneziano, dinner and cine-concert by the sea with the OBS Soloists and music by Vivaldi, Albinoni, and Marcello.
- August 10, 9:15 PM - Chiostro dei Cappuccini: Thanksgiving Concert, the best of the Baroque Week.
- August 11, 9:15 PM - Chiostro dei Cappuccini: The Sacred Vivaldi, with soloists, choir, and orchestra conducted by Federico Maria Sardelli (Beatus vir, Laudate pueri, Magnificat, and concertos).
The festival is completed by early music masterclasses and is part of the OBS 40th-anniversary celebration season.
Programme Baroque Week 2026
Highlights Baroque Week 2026
Prices Baroque Week 2026
Practical information — Baroque Week
Getting there
By plane: the nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 60 km), connected to Syracuse by direct buses and trains. By train: the Syracuse station is served by regional connections with Catania and Messina. By car: take the A18/RA15 motorway towards Syracuse.
Tickets
Tickets for concerts at the Chiostro dei Cappuccini start from 5-10 euros, with discounts for those under 26. A subscription for multiple concerts is available. Special events, such as the cine-concert with dinner at Punta della Maddalena, have dedicated pricing. Early booking is recommended.
Tips
Concerts are held in the evening, outdoors: bring a light jacket. Syracuse offers a wide range of accommodation, particularly on the island of Ortigia, the ideal historic center to combine music with exploring the city.
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Where does it take place — Baroque Week
Chiostro dei Cappuccini