Venice is getting ready for two weeks of listening. The 70th International Festival of Contemporary Music of the Biennale takes place from 10 to 24 October 2026 under the title A Child of Sound. It is the second edition directed by Caterina Barbieri, composer and electronic musician.
The theme and the numbers
The title starts from an idea dear to Stockhausen, that of a childlike listening free from judgement: music as the childhood of the spirit. The programme brings together 130 artists in more than 40 events, with 23 new works, including 18 world premieres.
The Lions
- Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: Keiji Haino, pioneer of Japanese noise and a cult figure of radical improvisation, expected with a special performance and a documentary dedicated to him.
- Silver Lion: Sarah Davachi, Canadian composer and organist, with a chamber organ concert and a new commission for ensemble and choir.
The Lions will be presented on 12 October at Ca’ Giustinian.
The highlights
- The world premiere of Musica per una fine by Ennio Morricone, on a text by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
- Gigi Masin, performing the album Wind 40 years after its release, and new compositions by ML Buch and Masin himself for young guitarists moving through the city.
- Laraaji, with a live set and a meditative laughter workshop.
- Lyra Pramuk with Mohammad Reza Mortazavi, the Tallis Scholars, the ensemble Mazaher and Kara-Lis Coverdale.
- The club programme at Forte Marghera with Phew and DJ Nobu.
Practical info
- When: from 10 to 24 October 2026.
- Where: Venice, across the Arsenale, Ca’ Giustinian, Teatro Malibran, Teatro Goldoni, the Teatro Verde on the island of San Giorgio, Forte Marghera and Parco Albanese in Mestre.
- Tickets: online only on the Biennale website, with single tickets, three-concert passes and a ticket combining a concert with a visit to the Biennale Arte.
- Official website: labiennale.org.
Frequently asked questions
Who directs Biennale Musica 2026?
Caterina Barbieri, in her second year as artistic director.
Is there also a club programme?
Yes: at Forte Marghera, with artists such as Phew and DJ Nobu.