If there’s a place in Taormina that perfectly combines the heart-wrenching beauty of the Sicilian landscape with a sense of almost suspended peace, it’s undoubtedly the Villa Comunale. A romantic garden, hidden in the folds of a world-famous town, offering an experience of silence, Mediterranean scents, and breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea.
But in summer, this enchanted corner transforms. The manicured flowerbeds and panoramic terraces become the perfect stage for something special. Something that carries the deep sound of a double bass, the lightness of a sax solo, and the warm breath of a Sicilian night: it’s the Taormina Jazz Festival, ready to return in 2025 with its twelfth edition.
Notes among the trees, under the July sky
Following the growing success of past editions, this year the festival promises an international line-up that will make the nights of the Pearl of the Ionian Sea vibrate. The creative direction is signed by Feliciotto Concept Store and Tao Jazz Association, with organizational support from the Taormina Jazz Association and the backing of the municipality. A cultural synergy that makes this one of the most anticipated events of the summer, not only for jazz lovers but also for those seeking authentic emotions and timeless atmospheres.
The beating heart of the festival? Precisely the Villa Comunale, with its shaded paths, liberty-style statues, and benches overlooking the infinite. It’s here that, from July 21 to 22, three free-entry concerts will come to life, promising to leave a lasting impression.
The stars behind the magic
On July 21, the legendary Enrico Pieranunzi will kick things off, accompanied by Luca Bulgarelli on double bass and Mauro Beggio on drums. Their trio is a guarantee of refinement, a balance of lyricism and improvisation that will enchant even those discovering jazz for the first time.
The following day, on July 22, the atmosphere will be charged with emotion thanks to the project Morricone Stories by saxophonist Stefano Di Battista, a heartfelt and refined tribute to maestro Ennio Morricone. Joining him on stage: Andrea Rea, Daniele Sorrentino, and Luigi Del Prete. Soundtracks that defined entire generations, reinterpreted with soul and heart, in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful gardens.
And if that weren’t enough, the festival also reserves a key moment at the majestic Ancient Theatre of Taormina: on July 20, the stage will host the quartet of John Scofield, with John Medeski, Vicente Archer, and Ted Poor. But it will again be the Villa, with the Kismet project by the formidable duo Dave Holland & Chris Potter, along with Marcus Gilmore, to add another touch of class to this already memorable edition.
When music blends with the landscape
Listening to a jazz concert in the midst of nature, surrounded by palm trees, tropical flowers, and the silhouette of Mount Etna on the horizon, is something you’re unlikely to forget. There are no rows of plastic chairs here, but stones to sit on, ancient walls, and benches hidden among the trees. The audience spreads out naturally, like in a collective dream where the only protagonist is the sound.
The Villa Comunale of Taormina was created in the 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman and naturalist, who transformed this space into a unique exotic garden filled with rare plants and small oriental-style pavilions. Today, its elegant and wild soul still lives among the branches, and during the festival it fills with new voices, deep vibrations, and notes that seem born to dance among those trees.
A perfect pause between art and silence
Whether you’re a jazz lover, a traveler in search of authentic experiences, or simply a fan of poetic places, the Taormina Jazz Festival 2025 at the Villa Comunale is one of those events to mark in red on your calendar.
No reservation needed, no ticket required: just be there.
Under the July sky, with the sea in the background and music rising gently into the air, you’ll discover that sound can truly become part of the landscape.
And perhaps, in that very moment, you’ll feel part of something greater.
🎷 Taormina Jazz Festival 2025 – Program: Dates and Artists
📍 Main locations:
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Villa Comunale of Taormina (free-entry concerts)
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Ancient Theatre of Taormina
🗓️ July 20, 2025 – 9:30 PM
📍 Ancient Theatre of Taormina
John Scofield’s Long Days Quartet
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John Scofield – guitar
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John Medeski – keyboards
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Vicente Archer – double bass
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Ted Poor – drums
🗓️ July 21, 2025 – 9:30 PM
📍 Villa Comunale of Taormina
Enrico Pieranunzi Trio
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Enrico Pieranunzi – piano
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Luca Bulgarelli – double bass
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Mauro Beggio – drums
🗓️ July 22, 2025 – 9:30 PM
📍 Villa Comunale of Taormina
Stefano Di Battista – Morricone Stories
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Stefano Di Battista – sax
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Andrea Rea – piano
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Daniele Sorrentino – double bass
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Luigi Del Prete – drums
🗓️ July 23, 2025 – 9:30 PM
📍 Villa Comunale of Taormina
KISMET – Dave Holland & Chris Potter
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Dave Holland – double bass
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Chris Potter – sax
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Marcus Gilmore – drums