Collegium Vocale Crete Senesi Summer Festival

The unique music festival Collegium Vocale Crete Senesi takes place annually amidst the enchanting hills of Tuscany. Organized by the world-renowned Belgian choir Collegium Vocale Gent and its artistic director Philippe Herreweghe, this prestigious event beautifully combines musical excellence with Italian charm. What started as a modest initiative has since blossomed into an internationally acclaimed festival for lovers of classical music.

The core vision of the festival is to present sublime music within the breathtaking scenery of the Crete Senesi, famous for its rolling clay hills and iconic cypress trees. Instead of traditional concert halls, performances are held in intimate, historic venues such as centuries-old abbeys, rural churches, and picturesque village squares. The monastery of Sant'Anna in Camprena, for instance, offers a spectacular setting and superb acoustics where polyphonic choral works truly come to life. While Collegium Vocale Gent takes center stage with masterpieces by Bach, Monteverdi, or Gesualdo, Herreweghe regularly invites renowned guest ensembles and soloists to enrich the diverse program.

Beyond the music, the festival celebrates the authentic Tuscan lifestyle by intertwining concerts with local gastronomy, fine wines, and stunning nature. This creates a warm, intimate atmosphere where artists and audiences connect deeply, making it an unforgettable sensory experience. By bridging the cultural heritage of Flanders and Italy, the Crete Senesi festival remains a magical sanctuary where art, nature, and joie de vivre reinforce one another at the highest level.