Moncalieri Jazz Festival 2026, Italy

• 24 octobre 2026
  Date de l'événement :
• 8 novembre 2026
  Fin de l'événement :

À quoi s’attendre en 2026

Moncalieri Jazz Festival returns for its 29th edition, continuing its remarkable tradition as one of Italy’s most community-oriented and creatively programmed jazz events. Organized with the support of the City of Moncalieri, the Piedmont Region, and the CRT Foundation, the festival has spent nearly three decades building a reputation for bringing jazz into unexpected places and fostering genuine connections between musicians and residents.

The 2026 edition will unfold over seventeen days, spanning late October through early November. The festival’s distinctive character lies in its “diffused” approach: rather than confining performances to traditional concert halls, it places music in courtyards, historic buildings, social and healthcare facilities, schools, and open public spaces throughout Moncalieri. This philosophy of jazz as relationship, care, and shared space has become the festival’s signature.

Expect a program that balances high-caliber international performances with deeply local initiatives. The festival’s artistic direction under Ugo Viola has consistently championed gender equality, youth participation, and social engagement. The opening event, La Notte Nera del Jazz, exemplifies this spirit: eight hours of continuous music featuring one hundred musicians across nineteen concerts in five courtyards, three piazzas, three streets, and five local venues, with the vast majority of performers being young artists and a significant proportion being women.

Beyond the concert stages, the festival incorporates “Il Jazz che cura” (Jazz that Heals), a project that brings musical improvisation into healthcare and social settings for autism, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s communities. Environmental consciousness is also central, with the Green Jazz Day featuring sustainable performances, the Lindy Hop dancing in the Bosco del Re, children’s workshops, and a free shuttle service connecting parking areas to the historic center.

Dates des événements

October 24, 2026 – November 8, 2026

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Lieu et site du festival

The festival unfolds across Moncalieri, a historic town immediately south of Turin in the Piedmont region. The primary hub for the opening celebration is the Centro Storico, where the city’s medieval streets, courtyards, and piazzas transform into an open-air jazz venue. The five courtyards of La Notte Nera are each dedicated to women who have fought for gender equality, peace, and human rights, including the Mirabal sisters, Marielle Franco, Mother Teresa, Berta Cáceres, and the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo.

Other key venues include the Fonderie Teatrali Limone, a converted industrial space that hosts the festival’s flagship evening concerts. The Castello Reale di Moncalieri, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former royal residence, provides a majestic setting for special performances, including the Salone di Maria Letizia where accordionists Gianni Coscia and Ugo Viola will perform. The Teatro Matteotti, the Famija Moncalereisa, and various local businesses including cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias also serve as intimate performance spaces.

The festival extends into the surrounding territory as well. The Bosco del Re hosts the Green Jazz Day’s Lindy Hop dancing, while healthcare facilities including Casa Ungaretti, Casa Vitrotti, and the Salone Polivalente Don P.G. Ferrero welcome musicians for the “Il Jazz che cura” program. The free shuttle service connects Piazza Panissera parking to the historic center throughout the opening night.

Programmation complète

The complete lineup for 2026 will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival. The opening night, La Notte Nera del Jazz, will feature one hundred musicians from across Italy performing in nineteen original concerts. Confirmed artists for the courtyard stages include Rossana Tatto at the Corte della Materia, Arabella Rustico Trio at the Corte delle Vibrazioni, CG Quartet at the Corte del Suono, Sonia Infriccioli Trio at the Corte della Scena, and Mazaratee at the Corte dell’Impronta.

The main concert at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II at 10:00 PM will feature Karima performing “Lifetime,” with Piero Frassi on piano, Gabriele Evangelista on double bass, and Bernardo Guerra on drums. Karima, an Italian-Algerian vocalist known for her expressive range and collaborations with Burt Bacharach and Paolo Conte, brings a special project commissioned for the festival.

The “Il Jazz che cura” program features Albert Hera and Claudia Carletti working with CircleActivities at Casa Ungaretti for autism, Claudia Bernardi at Casa Vitrotti for Alzheimer’s, and Fiorella Coppola with the Giovani Parkinsoniani Association at the Salone Polivalente Don P.G. Ferrero for Parkinson’s. The Green Jazz Day will include Lindy Hop dancing in the Bosco del Re and the “Plastic Vibrations v.4” workshop for children. Gianni Coscia and Ugo Viola will perform at the Salone di Maria Letizia in the Castello Reale.

Têtes d’affiche et artistes invités

The 2026 headliners represent the festival’s dual commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. Karima, the Italian-Algerian singer who emerged from Italian television and went on to perform at Sanremo, headlines the opening night with her “Lifetime” project. Her voice has been praised by Burt Bacharach, with whom she recorded an album of covers, and she brings a distinctive blend of jazz, soul, and Mediterranean influences.

Gianni Coscia, the venerable accordionist from Alessandria, represents the deep roots of Italian jazz. Now in his nineties, Coscia continues to perform with remarkable vitality, and his duo with Ugo Viola at the Castello Reale promises to be a highlight for connoisseurs of Italian jazz tradition. The pairing of these two accordionists in a UNESCO World Heritage setting creates a quintessentially Piedmontese experience.

The “Il Jazz che cura” program features artists who specialize in using music as a tool for connection and healing. Albert Hera and Claudia Carletti bring the CircleActivities method to autism support, Claudia Bernardi works with Alzheimer’s patients, and Fiorella Coppola collaborates with the Giovani Parkinsoniani Association. These musicians demonstrate the festival’s belief that jazz belongs everywhere, not only on concert stages.

Scènes et zones de spectacle

The festival operates across a remarkable range of performance environments, each with its own character. The five courtyards of the Centro Storico serve as the heart of La Notte Nera, each named after a woman who has fought for justice. These intimate outdoor spaces allow audiences to move freely between performances, creating a festival atmosphere that is both celebratory and reflective.

The Fonderie Teatrali Limone, a former industrial foundry converted into a performing arts space, hosts the festival’s ticketed evening concerts. Its raw industrial architecture provides a striking contrast to the historic courtyards and creates excellent acoustics for larger ensembles. The Castello Reale di Moncalieri, with its royal apartments and UNESCO status, offers the most prestigious setting, particularly the Salone di Maria Letizia.

Healthcare and social facilities including Casa Ungaretti, Casa Vitrotti, and the Salone Polivalente Don P.G. Ferrero become performance venues for the “Il Jazz che cura” program, bringing music directly to communities that may not be able to attend traditional concerts. The Bosco del Re provides a natural setting for the Lindy Hop dancing and children’s workshops of the Green Jazz Day. Local businesses including cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias host aperitivo jazz performances throughout the festival.

Programme étape par étape

The festival’s schedule follows a pattern established over nearly three decades. La Notte Nera del Jazz opens the festival on October 24 with eight hours of continuous music from 5:00 PM, featuring simultaneous performances across the courtyards, piazzas, and streets of the Centro Storico. The main concert at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II begins at 10:00 PM.

The “Il Jazz che cura” program runs from October 26 through October 31 and November 2, with morning and afternoon sessions at healthcare and social facilities. The Green Jazz Day takes place on a dedicated date during the festival period, with Lindy Hop dancing, children’s workshops, and sustainable performances. The Castello Reale concert with Gianni Coscia and Ugo Viola is scheduled for a specific evening during the festival.

Detailed stage-by-stage scheduling will be published on the official festival website as the event approaches. Attendees are encouraged to check https://moncalierijazz.com/ for the most current information.

Temps de set

Set times vary by venue and performance type. La Notte Nera performances in the courtyards typically run 45 to 60 minutes, allowing audiences to circulate between locations. The main concert at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II runs approximately 90 minutes. Ticketed evening concerts at the Fonderie Teatrali Limone generally run 90 to 120 minutes. The “Il Jazz che cura” sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes, adapted to the needs of participants. Specific set times will be confirmed in the final program.

Types de billets

Ticketing for the 2026 edition will follow the patterns established in previous years, with options designed for different attendance preferences.

La Notte Nera del Jazz
Free admission. The opening night celebration in the Centro Storico is open to all, with no tickets required. This reflects the festival’s commitment to accessibility and community participation.

Single concert tickets
Available for individual performances at Fonderie Teatrali Limone and other ticketed venues. Prices for previous editions have ranged from $11 to $22 depending on the artist and venue.

Day passes
Provide access to all ticketed festival events on a given day.

Full festival passes
The most comprehensive option, covering all ticketed performances across the seventeen-day program.

Green shuttle discount
Attendees who use the free shuttle service from Piazza Panissera receive a 10 percent discount on tickets, encouraging sustainable transportation.

Options VIP et premium

The festival’s ticketing structure emphasizes accessibility over exclusivity. Premium options have historically been limited, though select performances at the Castello Reale may offer reserved seating. The intimate scale of most venues means that standard tickets provide excellent proximity to performers. For information about any premium experiences for 2026, contact the festival directly at 011 681 3130.

Règles de l’épreuve

Attendees should note that La Notte Nera del Jazz is free and open to all, with no tickets required. Ticketed concerts require advance purchase or availability at the door. Some venues have limited capacity, and entry is first-come, first-served for free events. Photography policies vary by artist and venue. The festival is family-friendly, and children are welcome at most events, though some late-night performances may be more suitable for adult audiences. The free shuttle service operates from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM during La Notte Nera.

Comment y arriver

Moncalieri is located immediately south of Turin, connected by frequent bus and tram services. From Turin’s city center, buses and trams run regularly to Moncalieri, with journey times of approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The Moncalieri railway station also provides connections to Turin and other destinations in the region.

By car, Moncalieri is accessible from the Turin ring road, with exits serving the town center. However, parking in the historic center is limited, and visitors are strongly encouraged to use the free shuttle service from Piazza Panissera, which connects to the Centro Storico every twenty minutes.

Transports en commun et stationnement

The free shuttle service provided by Linea Azzurra connects Piazza Panissera parking to the Centro Storico every twenty minutes from 4:00 PM until 2:00 AM during La Notte Nera and other major festival events. This service reduces the environmental impact of private vehicle use and encourages sustainable transportation.

Public buses and trams connect Moncalieri to Turin’s public transport network, with routes serving the town center and the Fonderie Teatrali Limone. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, or via mobile apps. For those arriving by car, peripheral parking areas with shuttle connections offer the most convenient option.

Zones d’hébergement

Moncalieri offers a range of accommodation options, from small hotels to bed and breakfasts. The town center provides convenient access to most festival venues. Turin, with its extensive hotel infrastructure, is a viable alternative, given the frequent public transport connections and relatively short journey time.

Attendees planning to stay in Moncalieri should book early, as the festival period coincides with a busy autumn season. Turin offers more options across all price ranges, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Nourriture et boissons

The festival integrates food and drink into its programming, particularly during La Notte Nera del Jazz, when local restaurants, cafes, and bars host aperitivo jazz performances. Moncalieri’s historic center has numerous dining establishments serving traditional Piedmontese cuisine, including risotto, agnolotti, and the region’s renowned cheeses and wines.

The Green Jazz Day includes gastronomic experiences with local products. The festival’s partnership with local businesses creates opportunities to combine music with the region’s culinary traditions. During La Notte Nera, street food and aperitivo options are available throughout the Centro Storico.

Accessibilité

The festival strives to make events accessible to all attendees. La Notte Nera takes place in outdoor public spaces that are generally accessible, though some historic courtyards may present challenges for wheelchair users. The Fonderie Teatrali Limone is equipped for accessibility. The “Il Jazz che cura” program specifically reaches communities in healthcare settings who may face barriers to attending traditional concerts. Attendees with specific accessibility needs should contact the festival at 011 681 3130 for detailed information.

Meilleurs jours à assister

La Notte Nera del Jazz on October 24 offers the most comprehensive introduction to the festival, with eight hours of free music across multiple venues. This is the festival’s signature event and draws the largest crowds. The main evening concerts at Fonderie Teatrali Limone, typically scheduled in early November, feature headline artists and require tickets. The “Il Jazz che cura” sessions offer intimate, meaningful experiences for those interested in the therapeutic dimensions of music. The Green Jazz Day provides a family-friendly, environmentally focused alternative.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

The 2024 edition, the festival’s 28th, featured John Patitucci, Gianni Coscia, Gegè Telesforo, Gloria Campaner, and Cesare Picco among its headliners. The festival expanded to four double concerts at Fonderie Limone and introduced the “Big Mama Legacy” project by Gegè Telesforo. The Green Jazz Day included Lindy Hop dancing at Vivai Saracco and sustainable performances at the Castello Reale. The “Il Jazz che cura” program continued its work in healthcare facilities, with artists including Danielle Di Majo, Manuela Pasqui, Nora Delgado, and Valerio Chiovarelli performing in hospitals and care centers. The 2025 edition featured the 28th Notte Nera with the free shuttle service connecting Piazza Panissera to the Centro Storico.

Billets officiels

Tickets for Moncalieri Jazz Festival 2026 will be available through the festival’s official website and authorized partners. For updates and ticket information, visit https://moncalierijazz.com/ or call 011 681 3130. Attendees are advised to purchase tickets only through official channels.

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