The thirty-eighth edition of the Villa Arconati Festival continues its journey in search of ''possible music.'' This treasure trove of culture, history, and life in Castellazzo di Bollate (MI) expands its vision for summer 2026, intertwining music with narrative theater and documentary film.
From gypsy influences to solo piano, from jazz to Brazilian rhythms: a rich journey celebrating art in one of Lombardy's most beautiful villas.
📅 Concert and Event Program
From gypsy influences to solo piano, from jazz to Brazilian rhythms: a rich journey celebrating art in one of Lombardy's most beautiful villas.
📅 Concert and Event Program
- Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 9:00 PM
Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo (Inauguration)
The Festival opens with pure energy. A legendary band takes the stage, led by Diego Baliardo, the group's driving force and an ambassador for gypsy culture around the world. From the splendor of the French Riviera in the 1970s to global success, the evening will be a journey to the rhythm of flamenco.
On the lineup: Great classics such as Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba, Baila Me, and the famous covers of Hotel California and Nel blu dipinto di blu. - Friday, July 3, 2026
Giovanni Allevi - European Piano Solo Tour
Exactly 20 years after his first appearance, Giovanni Allevi returns to the Festival stage. After recent health challenges, the composer returns to the stage with an intimate concert suspended between emotion and reflection, for a pure dialogue with his piano. - Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Arisa - ''Foto Mosse'' Live Tour
One of the most enchanting female voices in Italian music arrives at Villa Arconati at a time of great artistic evolution. The concert will feature live performances of new songs from the album Foto Mosse (released April 17) along with milestones from his career.
The setlist includes songs from Sincerità to La notte, all the way up to Controvento (Sanremo 2014) and new tracks. - Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Paolo Fresu - ''Heroes. A Tribute to David Bowie''
The great jazz trumpeter, a longtime friend of the Festival, reinterprets the Thin White Duke's repertoire. Thirty songs (including ''Life on Mars,'' ''This Is Not America,'' and ''Warszawa'') are reimagined in a dynamic and experimental way.
The exceptional lineup includes Paolo Fresu (trumpet), John De Leo (vocals), Filippo Vignato (trombone/electronics), Francesco Diodati (guitar), Francesco Ponticelli (bass/double bass), and Christian Meyer (drums). - Friday, July 10, 2026
Stefano Massini in ''The Power of Symbols''
(In collaboration with the Festival della Bellezza)
The theater space hosts renowned writer and storyteller Stefano Massini. The audience will be guided on a fascinating journey to discover how symbols influence our view of history, acting as powerful tools of persuasion, unity, or division. - Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 6:00 AM
Dawn Concert: Pacifico
The evocative tradition of the dawn concert returns. Pacifico, a refined singer-songwriter and beloved author of music and film greats, will perform a solo set of small, poetic human portraits.
Nature Walk (5:00 AM): Departure from Bollate or Garbagnate to reach the Villa on foot through the Groane Park.
After the concert: Breakfast included in the Villa's splendid Corte Nobile. - Monday, July 13, 2026
Documentary: ''Pino Daniele. Half Black'' & Mini-Live
(In collaboration with Club Tenco)
A special evening to remember Pino Daniele, who was a guest of the Festival in 2009.
The Interview: Before the screening, Eddi Berni interviews Stefano Senardi (producer and Club Tenco ambassador) and Marco Spagnoli (film director).
The Film: An emotional journey through Naples during the singer-songwriter's early career.
The Live Performance: Opening the event, a mini-live performance by the promising young jazz singer-songwriter Chiarè (Chiara Ianniciello) on double bass, in a duo with Myriam Spagnoli on piano. - Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Gilsons + Selton (Grand Closing Party)
The Festival closes to the rhythm of Brazilian music with an exceptional double date and the traditional liberating dance in front of the villa.
Gilsons: The trio of José, Francisco, and João Gil combines pop, reggae, and Bahian rhythms, paying homage to their grandfather Gilberto Gil's MPB.
Selton: The Brazilian-Milanese indie band brings a captivating show to the stage, with a double drum kit taking center stage.