Distat Festival

The Distat Festival takes place every two years in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina. Housed in two small towns of Río Negro–Luis Beltrán and Choele Choel–this festival showcases both early and contemporary music, reaching audiences in regions often overlooked by the arts. The 2025 edition, scheduled for February, promises an extraordinary lineup of premieres and commissioned works.

It is no coincidence that the festival takes place exactly where its director, José Manuel, grew up. Due to the lack of artistic resources available to him as a child, he had to emigrate to Buenos Aires to receive the education he desired. The Distat Festival brings such opportunities directly to his hometown, making world-class music accessible to local communities.

The 2025 edition of the festival stands out for its emphasis on newly commissioned works and world premieres. Among the highlights is the Spiegel Spiele concert, a commission between Musica in Prossimita (IT), Rainy Days Festival (LU), Solo Voices (CH) and Fundación AntiquaNova (AR) to composers Bernhard Lang and Justé Janulyté performed by the Quartetto Maurice and the SoloVoices ensemble. Another anticipated performance is a portrait of Patricia Alessandrini by the Riot Ensemble, marking the first time her work will be premiered in Argentina. Additionally, the festival will feature performances by renowned contemporary composers such as Tristan Murail, Daniele Ghisi, William Dougherty, and Cecilia Villanueva.

A concert centred around early music, Códex will delve into Bolivian and Peruvian early music, presenting pieces derived from Jesuit mission manuscripts on modern instruments. This unique genre blends native music traditions with Flemish and Italian medieval styles.

The Distat Festival—made possible this year by the Ernst von Siemens Foundation—aims to foster year-round cultural growth in Patagonia. Its goals include expanding the festival’s reach, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and workshops, and generating local cultural jobs.

Further Information:
distatfestival.com

Dates

February 14 – 23, 2025
Luis Beltrán & Choele Choel (AR)