Trecastagni International Music Festival

A historic festival at the foot of Mount Etna

The Trecastagni International Music Festival is one of the longest-running and most highly regarded classical music events in Eastern Sicily. Founded in 1999 by Maestro Carmelo Pappalardo, the festival takes place every summer in the town of Trecastagni, a charming village perched on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna, in the province of Catania. It is organized by the Nova Academia Musica Aetnensis (NAMAE) association, which has been promoting great music in the Etna region for over twenty years.

The setting: Chiesa Madre San Nicola

Concerts are primarily held in the stunning Chiesa Madre San Nicola, in the heart of Trecastagni, a venue that combines acoustic quality with architectural beauty. The intimate atmosphere and excellent sound quality of the space make every evening an immersive experience, allowing the audience to appreciate the performers' talent up close.

An international and multidisciplinary program

The hallmark of the festival is its international outlook: each edition brings together world-class soloists and ensembles alongside emerging young talents. The program flows seamlessly between different genres and styles:

• Chamber music and classical repertoire: from Baroque to Romanticism, featuring Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg;
• Violin, cello, and piano recitals with internationally acclaimed performers;
• Chamber orchestras and percussion ensembles;
• Forays into jazz and film scores, reflecting an open and curious approach to programming.

A cultural landmark for the Etna region

For the Municipality of Trecastagni and the entire Sicily Region, the festival is a well-established summer cultural fixture, attracting classical music enthusiasts from across the island and beyond. The event showcases the architectural and landscape heritage of this Etnean village, offering visitors the chance to discover Trecastagni through a blend of culture, tradition, and Sicilian hospitality. Under the artistic direction of Maestro Pappalardo, the festival continues to cement its status as one of the most prestigious musical offerings of the Catania summer.