Concerts on the historic organs of San Petronio

In June, the Basilica of San Petronio opens its doors for three evenings dedicated to the sound of its historic organs: instruments of extraordinary value, still capable today of conveying all the depth and beauty of the great tradition of sacred music.

Listening to them inside the Basilica means experiencing an intense and evocative moment, in which music enters into dialogue with the architecture, history and solemn silence of one of Bologna’s symbolic places.

The Concerts on the Historic Organs series will feature the Basilica’s official organists and the Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio, with programmes dedicated to early music repertoire.

The first concert will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 8:30 pm, with Francesco Cera and Francesco Tasini, performing on the organs by Lorenzo da Prato, dating from 1475, and Baldassarre Malamini, dating from 1596. The programme includes music by Grossi da Viadana, Frescobaldi, Padovano, Banchieri, Gabrieli, Merulo and other composers.

The series will continue with two further concerts:

• Thursday, June 11, 2026, 8:30 pm
  Sara Dieci and Nicola Procaccini
  Music by Fogliano, Cavazzoni, Bonelli, Frescobaldi
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 8:30 pm
  Soloists and Choir of the Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio
  Michele Vannelli, chapel master
  Music by Colonna and Perti

Three events to rediscover the Basilica through its most ancient musical voice, immersed in a repertoire that spans the centuries and continues to speak to the present.