Biccari Music Festival In the Heart of Southern Italy

  

Our First zoom Informational Meeting will be held Sunday, October 20th at 8 PM Eastern Time.

Complete the interest survey link below to recieve a link.  The link will be sent out the day of the zoom meeting. 

Click here to complete our 2026 harp\clarinet\string festival interest survey!

 

Click here to access the 2026 Registration Form

 

Our String Program Dates will be announced shortly. 

 

Join our Zoom Information  Meeting on Sunday, October 19th at 8 PM Eastern to learn more...


Time: Oct 19, 2025 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88500019443?pwd=JcPU3ulyArSJtn6L4Ru6qkGFuGcvSm.1

Meeting ID: 885 0001 9443
Passcode: 3T4gvc


 

Experience the Magic of Music in Medieval Puglia, Italy

Join us from June 7–15, 2026 for an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking town of Biccari, nestled atop the Daunian Mountains. Immerse yourself in music, culture, and authentic Southern Italian hospitality.

Meet our 2026 Festival Leaders

 

What's New in 2026?
We will offer the harp ensembble and clarinet choir track in 2026.  We are exploring a string track. The band program will return in 2027. 

Details and pricing will be available September 15, 2025.

 

Click here to complete our 2026 harp\clarinet\string festival interest survey!

 

 

 Musical Opportunities   

Participants will join dynamic ensembles and engaging workshops led by:

  • Maestro Michele Stelluto, former conductor of the Italian Navy Band

  • Gloria Galante, acclaimed jazz harpist

  • Lucia Galdi Marone, program director and festival coordinator

Highlights included

  • Ensemble collaborations

  • Jazz improvisation sessions

  • Open mic night

  • Grand finale concert

Cultural Immersion for All

When you’re not making music, enjoy:

  • Historical tours to sites such as Padre Pio, Pompeii, Bari, St. Michael's

  • Italian cooking classes

  • Scenic hikes and local wine\olive oil tastings

Guest Experience

  • Non-musician guests are welcome!

  • A special itinerary of cooking, culture, and local activities will be led by

  • Don Leonardo Catalano (town pastor) and

  • Jim Marone (guest experience coordinator)

 


 Build Lasting Connections

  • Share in the spirit of music and community—return home with unforgettable friendships and memories.

 


Save the Dates 

Festival Dates: June 7–15, 2026
Registration Opens: September 15, 2025
2026 Pricing: TBA in September

Click here to complete our 2026 harp\woodwind\string festival interest survey!

 

What’s Included  

  • 8 nights lodging in Biccari

  • Transportation to/from Naples Airport (at designated times)

  • 2 meals daily (continental breakfast + one main meal)

  • Ensemble workshops, rehearsals, and final concert

  • All tour entrance fees and group transportation

  • Cultural excursions, cooking classes, and guest programming
    ✈️ Airfare not included

Registration Details 

  • $500 non-refundable deposit due at registration

  • Balance due by May 10, 2026

  • Payment accepted via Zelle or check (details below)

  • Passport must be valid through December 2026

  • Airport pickup is available from Naples (2 hr 15 min)

  • If flying into Rome (4.5 hr), we recommend taking the train to Foggia for pickup (small fee)

  • Need help booking? Contact Sylvia Thomas, Thomas Travel
    1-631-423-4506

    Travel insurance available at AllianzTravelInsurance.com

 

 

 

 


 2025 Festival Reviews 

From Musicians

“A unique opportunity to bring together two diverse musical populations and quickly develop into a cohesive ensemble. Phenomenal!” – Conductor

“As a musician, this experience helped me reconnect with my instrument after years away. It was life-changing.”


 From Cultural Travelers:

Live like a local in the heart of Southern Italy. Not just a tourist—part of the community.

“Experiencing true small-town Italian life. You wouldn’t get this on any other tour.”

“The food, the people, the town… everything felt so real and welcoming.”

“I arrived as a guest and left feeling like family.”


❤️ What Past Participants Say: 

“The music, the community, the food… every part was magical.”
“This was the blessing I didn’t know I needed.”
“Photo opportunities at every step. I’m ready to paint again!”

 

 


Questions? Contact Us! 

Lucia Galdi Marone
[email protected]
 609-364-1776

 


Click here to complete our 2026 harp\woodwind\string festival interest survey!

 

 

 

 

In 2026, we will offer excursions similar to those in 2025, with a few exciting changes. For guests who have already visited Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, we are planning alternatives such as Manfredonia or Bari, along with local olive oil and winery tastings to further highlight the culture and flavors of the region.

  

Contact Lucia Galdi Marone at [email protected] or 609-364-1776 for more info...

 

Experience the Magic of Music in Medieval Puglia, Italy

Join us from June 7th through June 15th for an unforgettable journey to a breathtaking medieval town atop the Daunian Mountains in Puglia, Italy. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of musical harmony and authentic Italian culture.

A Unique Opportunity for Adult Harpists, Woodwind Players, and String Musicsicans

Musicians will participate in dynamic ensembles and interactive workshops led by Maestro Michele Stelluto, former conductor of the Italian Navy Band; renowned jazz harpist Gloria Galante; and program director Lucia Galdi Marone.
The experience features ensemble collaborations, jazz improvisation sessions, and a lively open mic night—all leading up to a grand finale performance. Beyond the music, participants will enjoy cultural immersion through historical tours, Italian cooking classes, scenic hikes, and local wine tastings.

Guest Experiences for Non-Musicians

While musicians attend workshops, non-musician companions can engage with local culture. Collaborate with local residents to discover the region's treasures, learn the art of Italian cooking, and embrace the lifestyle in Biccari, guided by Don Leonardo Catalano (town paster) and Jim Marone (guest experience-co-ordinator). 

Build Lasting Connections

Shared cultural experiences emphasize community-building, fostering lasting bonds beyond music. Participants will gain a network of support and inspiration.

Open to All Skill Levels

This event is open to individuals aged 18 and above, welcoming all skill levels. Friends and family are also invited to join.

Mark Your Calendars

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in music and Italian culture. Mark your calendars for June 7th through June 15th for this enriching 8-day festival.

 

Area Attractions 

 

Wineries

Lucera

The Mountains

Tenuta La Marchesa wine tour File:Lucera - Fortezza Svevo-Angioina di Lucera - 202209061905.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
     

Biccari

Pompeii

Padre Pio Shrine

 

 

Additional Information

2026:  €3,050 

The cost of the trip is €3,050 (approximately $3,300 USD as of September 15th). The final balance will be converted to USD at the current exchange rate for your convenience when payments are due.

Payments:

deposit of $750 (€850.00) is due upon signing this agreement to reserve your spot.The remaining balance  is due by April 15, 2026.

Includes: pick-up from Naples airport, all excursions, breakfast and dinner daily, and all music activities.

Cooking class for all participants, with additional cooking classes available for guests

Transportation to and from Naples Airport on June 7th (arrival) and June 15th (departure)

Schedule highlights:

Morning: Musicians rehearse while guests enjoy local product tastings and guided town tours.

Afternoon & evening: Excursions and activities for all participants, including concerts, cultural experiences, and culinary events.

This ensures that every participant, whether musician or guest, has a full and immersive schedule throughout the festival.