Welcome to Italy

Since its inception decades ago, more than 1,000 choirs have performed at the annual Alta Pusteria Festival amidst the enchanting scenery of the Dolomites encompassing South Tyrol, Italy and Austria. Choirs from all over the world attend this festival to share their music at stunning venues throughout the Valley of Pusteria.Join us for this unique musical event in the midst of the wild and romantic landscape of South Tyrol, Italy! Consider another destination in Verona, Italy the Verona International Choral Competition. Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Day 1: DEPART FROM NORTH AMERICA

Your festival experience begins with an overnight flight to Venice, Italy; Munich, Germany; or Innsbruck, Austria. All offer convenient access to this glorious part of Europe!

Day 2: ALTA PUSTERIA FESTIVAL | OPENING CEREMONY

Upon arrival in Europe, your Music Contact International tour manager will greet your ensemble at the airport. Together, transfer by private motor coach to Val Pusteria. Located at the foot of the Dolomite Mountains along the Italy-Austria border, this idyllic valley is a fabled winter sports destination, and in the summertime reveals a breathtaking sea of greenery and wildflowers.Check into your lodge-style hotel and refresh before a celebratory toast and welcome dinner of Tyrolese specialties in the hotel dining room.All festival groups are then invited to an Opening Concert at Gustav Mahler Hall in the charming resort town of Dobbiaco.

Day 3: WELCOME CELEBRATION | CONCERTS

Each day of your stay begins with fresh breakfast at your hotel. Festivities begin shortly after at the “Festa di Benvenuto,” which include a welcome party with friendly exchange and informal performances atop Plan de Corones mountain. A stage is set up under the campana—the second largest bell in Italy— where each ensemble is invited to share a song. The presentation ends with the tolling of the bell reverberating through the alpine landscape.This afternoon, display your vocal harmony in open-air concert venues including quaint ski huts accessible only by cable car and at the foot of the majestic medieval castle at Monguelfo. Choirs perform in series for each other as well as local audiences who delight in the diverse repertoire from around the world!Dinner is served at the hotel followed by more concerts and performance opportunities throughout the region.

Day 4: OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS | CONCERTS

Outdoor concerts continue today at stunning natural and historic sites including stages at Braies and Anterselva lakes and in fairytale medieval courtyards.After dinner at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening in the Val Pusteria—stroll through a charming central square or hop on convenient public transportation to a nearby town to attend a festival concert.

Day 5: PARADE OF CHOIRS | CONCERTS

Choral concerts continue throughout the morning and early afternoon. Afterward, ensembles gather for the Parade of Choirs—a highlight of the Alta Pusteria Festival in the center of San Candido. After the mayor’s official greeting, singers parade through the charming streets. The procession ends with an exuberant massed sing!Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner of traditional cuisine, followed by a final celebratory round of performances.

Day 6: CLOSING CEREMONY | FREE AFTERNOON

The annual “Festa dell’Arrivederci,” or Closing Ceremony, is held this morning in Sesto. Choir directors are awarded a Certificate of Participation for their contributions to the festival and invited back as honorary members of the Alta Pusteria singing community!The 2027 Alta Pusteria Festival concludes around lunchtime. Most ensembles depart for their next destination or extend their stay in Europe. We recommend spending a few additional days in Venice, Italy and flying home from there. Additional nights at the festival hotel can also be arranged. Groups who wish to leave at the conclusion of the festival should anticipate staying an additional night in their departure city.