70th International Festival of Contemporary Music Concludes with Increased Attendance

The 70th International Festival of Contemporary Music, known as A Child of Sound, concluded on 24 October 2026. The festival reported a 4% increase in attendance compared to previous editions, with 40% of the audience arriving from abroad. This international turnout highlights the festival’s global reach.

Under the direction of Caterina Barbieri, the festival adopted the theme of the “child of sound” as a symbol of both revolution and healing. Barbieri attributed to music a power of communion and spiritual elevation, shaping the festival’s artistic direction.

A key event was Musica Libera, which focused on the therapeutic value of music. Held in the cloister of the Casa di reclusione femminile Giudecca, a women’s detention centre in Venice, Musica Libera was the result of workshops where incarcerated women collaborated with young musicians from Biennale College Musica and their mentors.

Another highlight was the composition Canons, which is based on the musical technique of canons. In this technique, a melody is successively imitated by different voices, creating overlapping lines and evolving polyphonic textures. This approach contributed to the festival’s exploration of contemporary music forms.

The festival’s conclusion marked an edition that combined innovative musical techniques with socially engaged projects, attracting a diverse and international audience.