Osaka – An extraordinary encounter between cultures through classical music and the timeless words of Dante Alighieri: this is the heart of “Istante Dante in Expo”, a project designed to showcase the universal value of culture as a bridge between peoples. The initiative also aims to bring Italy—and in particular, the city of Pavia—beyond European borders, offering the world a glimpse of its artistic and intellectual heritage.

The project is promoted by the Almo Collegio Borromeo and the Fondazione I Solisti di Pavia, an entity supported by the Fondazione Monte di Lombardia, and will take place from September 2 to 5 at the Italy Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka.

A unique artistic and cultural experience, Istante Dante has brought together 100 Italian and international musicians to interpret 100 tercets from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The initiative unfolds in three distinct formats: video, live performances, and cultural dialogues. The musical program, performed in chamber ensemble format, will include works by Schumann, Dvořák, Brahms, and Chausson—each selected to reflect the themes of Dante’s Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Featured performers include I Solisti di Pavia, violinist Massimo Quarta, and pianist Alessandro Marangoni.

Alongside the music, a series of cultural conversations will enrich the program. Among them, a dialogue between Ludovica Rossi Purini and legal scholar Vincenzo Salvatore, President of the Almo Collegio Borromeo, on “The Time of Justice”; and a conversation on “The Time of Research” between pianist Alessandro Marangoni and physicist Francesco Buscemi from Nagoya University.

Istante Dante in Expo offers a strategic platform to showcase Lombardy’s musical excellence and the broader cultural heritage of Italy. The participation of I Solisti di Pavia, with the support of Fondazione Monte di Lombardia, underscores a strong commitment to culture as a shared public good. Their presence at Expo 2025 further establishes the Foundation’s identity as a true ambassador of Italian artistic innovation and excellence on the global stage.