'I Suoni delle Dolomiti': frequently asked questions

What is the 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti' ('Sounds of the Dolomites')? What time do the concerts start? Do I have to pay to attend? If you have queries like these, read on. We hope you’ll find the answers you need.

But first things first. Here, in a nutshell, is what the festival is all about.

Frequently asked questions about the festival.

Here is your quick and easy guide to the 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti'

It covers all the main questions that visitors tend to ask. Things will be slightly different this year, so hopefully this information will give you what you need and help you enjoy the festival in complete peace of mind.

1. What is the 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti' festival?

The 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti' is an open-air music festival up in the Trentino mountains. The concerts take place amid rocky crags, alpine pastures and mountain lakes in a sensitive blend of the cultural and the natural. It aims to raise awareness among a wide audience about our mountains and their eloquent natural charms.

The festival runs over several weeks, as always. It embraces an array of musical genres from jazz to classical via world music, plus singer-songwriters and the occasional foray into pop. In other special events, we’ve brought readings, theatre performances and even opera to the mountains.

But the “I Suoni delle Dolomiti” is above all a big family of people working hard to organise everything down to the finest detail. People who help make every event on the programme a success. Loyal audiences who love what we do and who join us in taking care of the environment. And, of course, the generous, talented musicians who accept the unique challenges of working in the mountains, who give their all to bring their art out from the cities and high-tech concert halls into the wide open spaces and the splendour of nature, up close with their audience.

2. When was the first ever festival?

The 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti' made its debut on 1 July 1995 near the Brentei refuge, in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. It was the brainchild and dream of Paolo Manfrini and Chiara Bassetti, who still direct the festival today with top cellist Mario Brunello, who has supported the venture since its inception. And there have been many successful editions since. Summer after summer, artists of international prestige have joined us up in the Alps, and a great many music lovers and mountain aficionados have come to enjoy their performances. The “I Suoni delle Dolomiti” has established itself as a celebrated pioneer that has spawned many imitators.

3. . What time do the concerts start?

Well, this is no ordinary festival, so things tend to happen at unusual times! Most of the concerts begin at 12 noon sharp, when the sun is at its zenith. Other special events take place at 6.30 a.m. – we call them 'Le Albe delle Dolomiti' ('Dawn in the Dolomites'), as the notes begin to flow precisely when the sun peeps over the horizon.

4. Do I have to pay to attend the concerts?

The only “price” to pay is getting up early and tackling the mountain – while treating nature with due respect. But the effort is amply repaid. To reach the venues, you need to walk a bit – let’s say the concert is a privilege you have to earn! If you opt for the ski lift or a shuttle service, where available, you’ll have to pay for that yourself. So, the concerts are free of charge.

The festival is an initiative to promote the mountains and the wider Trentino region. The aim has always been to raise awareness of this sensitive habitat by marrying it with music. One thing that makes the festival unique is that the events are free – except for some indoor concerts and the Trekking projects; more on those below.

5. What are the Trekking events?

These are special projects that complement the festival’s cultural programme and add much to the visitor experience. These enriching adventures are offered as 3-day packages, where musicians and concertgoers tread the mountain paths together with alpine guides, sharing the experience of life in a mountain hut and enjoying exclusive, intimate concerts.

Unlike most of the performances on the programme, these are available only to a restricted number of participants, and there is a cost attached. The show times may vary depending on the weather, the group’s natural collective walking pace, and the inspiration offered by the surroundings

6. If I have other questions, who should I ask?

If you’ve read this far, you must be interested ?. If you’d like to know more, you can write to us at any time on the festival facebook and  instagram or drop us an email at eventicultura@trentinomarketing.org. We’ll always be glad to help!

To pique your curiosity further – and help you plan your next trip – keep browsing our website for more about the beauty and natural charm that Trentino and its mountains have in store for you.

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