From October 2nd to 4th, the international music fair hosts the third edition of the section dedicated to rock and sound experimentation. Guests include Stef Burns and Franco Mussida, the new Soundmit, and the debut of the “Young Band Contest.”
Cremona, August 6, 2026 – The great masters of rock and international singer-songwriter music will take to the stage, alongside the best brands of synthesizers, audio technology, and high-end electric violin making. From October 2 to 4, 2026, as part of the Cremona Musica Expo and Festival, the Electric Sound Village returns for its third edition, confirming Cremona’s status as a music capital, spanning the traditions of violin making and classical music all the way to rock, a living laboratory where all genres and languages of sound interact.
This edition will be headlined by a lineup of top-notch artists and performers. Among the expected performers are Stef Burns, the iconic world-renowned guitarist currently on stadium tours with Vasco Rossi, and Franco Mussida, a key figure and historic figure in Italian music. Joining them on stage will be Filippo Graziani, offering a rich exploration of his songwriting and the artistic legacy of his father Ivan, and Giuseppe Scarpato, guitarist and longtime producer of Edoardo Bennato. The program of clinics, showcases, and live performances will also feature virtuosos and leading exponents of the six-string such as Mattia Tedesco, Osvaldo Loiacono, and Simone Galassi, who will perform a tribute to the sound of Jimi Hendrix.
The meeting between the great interpreters and technological innovation is reflected in the expansion of the exhibition space. The real novelty this year is the prestigious synergy with Soundmit, which brings the protagonists of the world of synthesizers and new musical technologies to the fair, making them dialogue with custom electric lutherie, vintage vintage pieces and excellent restorations. The public will be able to try all the instruments inside soundproof booths or in silent mode.
The exhibition and cultural offering will be rounded out by an exhibition on the history of drums curated by the Fano Drum Museum with Made in Rock APS and the debut of the Cremona Musica Young Band Contest: a project coordinated by Artistic Directors Luca Nobis (CPM) and Stefano Prinzivalli to showcase bands under 25 and the relationship between young musicians and their instrument makers.
“Cremona Musica confirms its unique ecosystem, capable of bringing together the magnificent tradition of violin making with the most modern technological advances,” comments Massimo De Bellis, General Manager of CremonaFiere. “The growth of the Electric Sound Village and the new synergy with Soundmit demonstrate our commitment to spearheading innovation in the music industry. With this new Contest dedicated to young people, we aim to stimulate the creativity of the new generations: Cremona thus establishes itself not only as a custodian of history, but as a living laboratory for experimentation.”
Stefano Prinzivalli, the area’s organizational manager, emphasizes the value of dialogue between different worlds: “It’s crucial to lay the foundation for discussion in a unique region, which is undoubtedly the most suitable location for this evolution. We’re continuing to develop an innovative trade fair format that ensures a fruitful balance between artisanal production, technology, the public, and great musicians.”
The full program, including a detailed calendar of events for the Electric Sound Village, will soon be available on the dedicated page on the event website. The program for the entire Cremona Musica event, which is always under development, is available on the website in the events section.
