Themed festivals inspired by Vienna, the violin and poetry, which in recent festivals have placed an emphasis on forging paths between the ancient and the modern, between Renaissance and baroque music, on the one hand, and the latest trends in musical creation with links to theatre and dance, on the other.

The festival, originally the fruit of a private initiative, now has the backing of public institutions of the city of Bologna. Its extensive programme always includes numerous early music concerts: this year, for example, it welcomes Diego Fasolis’ I Barocchisti, with music by Bach, the Orchestre des Champs-Elysées, directed by Philippe Herreweghe, in a programme of works by Mozart, and The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, under the direction of Ton Koopman.

On 14 September, Reinhard Goebel conducts Musica Antiqua Köln in the opening concert of the cycle "Il Nuovo, l´Antico", in a performance of Bach’s Musical Offering. On 21 September, the Orchestra Mozart conducted by Claudio Abbado, with special guest soloists Giuliano Carmignola (violin), Enrico Bronzi (cello), Lucas Macias Navarro (oboe) and Guilhaume Santana (bassoon), will give a recital of classic works by Haydn and Mozart, together with contemporary pieces by Kurtág. On 28 September, Enrico Gatti’s Ensemble Aurora will perform a programme of six Corelli sonatas.

On 11 October, the Orlando Consort will give a concert of works by Obrecht, Brumel and Josquin. On 17 October, London Baroque and Emma Kirkby will present a programme entitled "Handel in Rome", including works by Corelli, Handel and Pasquíni.