classicAscona (Nr. 81 by Fondazione Settimane Musicali Ascona)

For 80 years, the Settimane Musicali Ascona have been a prestigious meeting place for music lovers. In 2026, the festival becomes classicAscona. Under the artistic direction of Christoph Müller, the festival is completely renewed and expands its program.

From 18 September to 10 October 2026, the audience can enjoy three intensive weeks – including four weekends – of music and encounters.

The program includes concerts with well-known ensembles and orchestras in the churches of Ascona and Locarno. There will also be masterclasses and recitals with three world-famous Artists in Residence. Side events will combine music with literature, gastronomy, and architecture in iconic places of the Locarno region, such as the Brissago Islands and Monte Verità.

The festival will also offer open-air performances, concerts by young talents as part of the Costellazione Giovani project, and a new classicAscona Academy. The Academy will provide training programs and masterclasses in different fields, from choral singing to baroque music.

classicAscona is therefore a completely new festival, designed as a journey of discovery where music meets landscape, history, taste, and culture. It is a special opportunity to experience the magic of a unique region even more deeply.

The full program will be revealed on January 28. Official pre-sales start on February 2.