This Baroque gem returns to the city 17 years after the earthquake, thanks in part to the solidarity of the Italian music community. The “CostellAzioni” festival is set to begin.
L’Aquila Welcomes Back a Beloved Venue. On Friday, April 17, the San Filippo Theater officially reopens its doors, marking a major milestone in L’Aquila’s journey as the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture. This restoration, 17 years in the making, gives the community back a hub of education and creativity dedicated above all to young people.
“Restoring San Filippo is not just an act of reconstruction, but a return to a place close to our hearts where our community finds its identity,” says Mayor Pierluigi Biondi.
“Domani”‘s Solidarity Becomes a Reality
The reopening of San Filippo is imbued with profound symbolic and artistic significance. During the opening ceremony (10:00 a.m.), the origins of this extraordinary solidarity project will be recounted—a project launched in 2009 by Caterina Caselli (SugarMusic) and Mauro Pagani (Macù Edizioni Musicali), together with Giuliano Sangiorgi and Lorenzo “Jovanotti.”
The proceeds from the recording of the song “Domani 21/04.09” in fact contributed significantly to the restoration of this Baroque building. It was a massive undertaking that brought together 56 of Italy’s greatest musicians under the name “Artisti Uniti per l’Abruzzo” to support the city’s cultural revival. Today, that collective effort stands as a tangible symbol in the heart of the historic center.
The Inauguration Program
The institutional event, moderated by Stefano Dascoli, will feature remarks by Mayor Pierluigi Biondi, Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, Caterina Caselli herself, and Giuliano Sangiorgi (frontman of Negramaro), with a special appearance by Lorenzo “Jovanotti.” In addition to the restoration work on the San Filippo, plans for the highly anticipated reopening of the Teatro Comunale will be presented.
At 11:00 a.m., the official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in Piazza San Filippo. The entire morning will be broadcast live in its entirety on the official social media channels of the City of L’Aquila and L’Aquila 2026.
Extraordinary Attendance and the Success of “CostellAzioni”
For those who wish to rediscover the theater’s architectural features, the doors will be open on Friday, April 17, for special tours from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (free admission, no reservation required).
Starting at 5:00 p.m., the festivities will really get underway with CostellAzioni, the citywide festival that will take place across 27 neighborhoods and districts. Reflecting the high level of anticipation, all performances during the three-day opening weekend —featuring artists such as Edoardo Leo, Massimo Lopez, and Alessio Boni— are already sold out.