Arte Solidale Festival is a charitable classical music festival that brings young talented musicians to Lake Como every year, combining the beauty of music with a concrete commitment to social solidarity. Its mission is twofold: to support young musicians and to raise funds for children, young people and individuals experiencing vulnerability, working in partnership with important local social organisations. Each concert therefore becomes an opportunity to enjoy great music while also making a tangible contribution to helping those in need.
For ten days every September, artists under 35 come together in the villas and historic residences of the Lario, places steeped in Europe’s rich musical heritage. Through an artistic residency, the musicians perform in various chamber ensembles, playing period instruments, and share with audiences a high-quality artistic experience centred on talent, connection and conviviality. Yet music is also a starting point for raising awareness of those who have had fewer opportunities: during the events, audiences are invited to learn more about youth hardship in the local area and to turn the emotion of listening into a concrete act of solidarity.
For over ten years, the Festival’s fundraising efforts have supported the Coordinamento Comasco Minori, a network bringing together numerous residential care organisations across the province of Como. Each year, these organisations welcome around 300 children and young people into residential communities and a further 200 into day services, providing protection, education and trusted adult support following often deeply challenging family experiences. Donations help to support pathways towards personal growth and independence, encourage the restoration of family relationships wherever possible and, when returning home is not feasible, help create the conditions for foster care or adoption. For older young people, opportunities for training, employment and independent living are also sought, providing practical support as they work towards a different future.
Another important beneficiary of donations is the Azalea Cooperative in Tremezzina, which has been working for years to promote care and social inclusion. The Cooperative runs a Social-Educational Centre in Griante, which also hosts the Festival’s opening concert, as well as a family home in Dongo for children and young people in difficulty, in collaboration with local social services. Donations also support projects for young people, ranging from preventing school drop-out to educational, cultural and social activities. In this way, the audience’s contribution is transformed into services, opportunities and educational pathways that directly benefit the most vulnerable members of the community.
Arte Solidale believes that music, culture and beauty should be accessible to everyone, including those who have had fewer opportunities to experience them. For this reason, part of the donations is also used to enable children and young people facing difficulties to attend music lessons or take part in sport, helping them discover and develop their own talents.
The Festival also supports the inclusion of disadvantaged young people in the organisation of its events, giving them valuable first work experience. In this way, behind every concert lies a network of people, educators, volunteers and artists working together to create new opportunities.
Arte Solidale Festival turns music into solidarity, and solidarity into real opportunities for growth, independence and a brighter future.
Arte Solidale Festival remembers Roberto Stefanoni, pianist and teacher
Professor at the Conservatoire of Como, Roberto Stefanoni trained several students with strong dedication, guiding many of them towards great musical careers. He began his studies in Milan with Adjmara Granata Confalonieri. Later he passed under the guidance of Tommaso Alati, and then with Giuseppe Piccioli and Alberto Mozzati at the G. Verdi Conservatory in Milan. He gave concerts as a soloist and in piano duo with Laura Colzan in various Italian cities. He was a member of the jury in international competitions such as the "Città di Como", "Città di Tradate", and president of the jury at the "Città di Lissone" International Competition and the "Carlo Vidusso" International Competition in Milan.
