The Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria is delighted to invite music lovers across Madagascar to a week of Italian classical music. From 19 to 24 July 2026, four musicians from the Orchestra Sinfonica del Teatro alla Scala di Milano will perform in four venues in Antananarivo, together with Malagasy’s ensembles and orchestras.
The festival, with a programme ranging from the works of Vivaldi and Verdi to the film scores of Ennio Morricone, is organised under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Pretoria, the Honorary Italian Consulate in Antananarivo, and the Dante Alighieri Society of Madagascar, as well as the Italian Cultural Institute.
The four musicians at the heart of the festival are all permanent members of the Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano: Federica Sainaghi on harp, Eliana Gintoli on cello, Fulvio Liviabella on violin, and Omar Lonati on double bass. Trained at some of Italy’s most prestigious music institutions, all four combine their orchestral careers with a rich artistic life that includes solo and chamber music performances as well as teaching. The four musicians will be present at every concert, encounter, and masterclass throughout the week.
Six Days, Six Experiences
- Sunday 19 July | School Visit and Concert in Ambohidratrimo (Time to be confirmed – Free entry): The festival opens with a visit to a school welcoming underprivileged children in Ambohidratrimo, where the four Scala musicians will perform a short concert for students and the local community.
- Monday 20 July | Concert at Café de la Gare (7:00 PM — Tickets: 100,000 ariary | Dinner: 50,000 ariary): The four Scala musicians will perform an evening of Italian classical music featuring violin and cello solos alongside Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The event is held in collaboration with the Orchestra Madagascar, which brings together young musicians in a repertoire spanning classical and Malagasy tradition.
- Tuesday 21 July | Concert at the Institut Français (1:00 PM – Free entry): The four Scala musicians will perform a lunchtime concert bringing Italian classical music to the heart of the city.
- Wednesday 22 July | Masterclass at ART-IA (Time and entry details to be confirmed): The four Scala musicians will lead a masterclass for students of the ART-IA music school, offering young local performers a rare opportunity to work alongside internationally acclaimed artists.
- Thursday 23 July | Concert at the Andafiavaratra Palace (Time and entry details to be confirmed): The four Scala musicians will perform alongside I Polifonici di Tanà in the historic Aula Magna of the Andafiavaratra Palace. I Polifonici di Tanà is a choir of young Malagasy singers with a repertoire of Italian Opera as well as traditional Malagasy music.
- Friday 24 July | Concert at the Auditorium Temple XiZu (Time and entry details to be confirmed): The festival closes with an extraordinary collaboration between the four Scala musicians and the Wule Symphony Orchestra, directed by Maestro Shi Wule. The Wule Symphony Orchestra is the largest orchestra in the world made up entirely of Buddhist monks. Their performances combine classical music, meditation, and dance, with a message of peace and harmony.
Join Us for a Week of Italian Music! Whether you are a long-time admirer of classical music or simply curious to discover the richness of Italian musical heritage, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class performances in the heart of Antananarivo.
We look forward to welcoming you. Stay tuned for full programme details and booking information.