Signature by Michele Mangani was commissioned by PIF Castelfidardo for the final round test piece of the PREMIO Category. The work will be premiered by the three finalists with the Orchestra of the Conservatory Rossini of Pesaro conducted by the composer Michele Mangani for the final round of the PREMIO Category at the Teatro Astra, Castelfidardo, Italy.

The 2026 PIF (Premio Internazionale della Fisarmonica) Castelfidardo will be the 51st anniversary edition of the international accordion competition and festival, held September 9-13, 2026 in Castelfidardo, Italy. It is organised by the City Council of Castelfidardo led by Mayor Roberto Ascani, the Castelfidardo Pro Loco Tourist Association headed by Ruben Cittadini and 2026 PIF Artistic Director Cesare Chiacchiaretta.

Michele Mangani is one of Italy’s most prolific contemporary composers for wind band and symphonic band, with more than 1,200 compositions to his name and over 600 published works performed worldwide by leading soloists, orchestras and military bands. His music is regularly selected as compulsory repertoire for international competitions, and he is frequently invited to serve as a jury member and competition president. Mangani is Artistic Director of the Wind Orchestra of Marche, Artistic Director of the Academy of the Cappella Musicale del SS. Sacramento in Urbino, and Vice Director and Professor at the Conservatory “Gioachino Rossini” in Pesaro.

2026 PIF Artistic Director: Cesare Chiacchiaretta is an acclaimed accordionist, composer and bandoneonist celebrated for his artistry in tango and contemporary music. He performs worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician, captivating audiences across Europe, the Americas, and beyond with his expressive interpretations and is well known for his compositions.

He is currently an accordion teacher at the Conservatory “T. Schipa” in Lecce, Apulia, Italy and was the commissioned composer for the 2025 PIF Castelfidardo.

Read the full interview of Cesare here.