29/09/2026

800 years after the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Canticle of the Creatures, one of the foundational texts of Western spirituality, will return on 4 October as a living voice on the lawns of BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano, welcoming autumn on the occasion of the BAM Autumn Festival.

Conceived and directed by Francesca Colombo, General Cultural Director of BAM, the programme will bring the Canticle of the Creatures into the present through seven original artistic commissions, exploring its power and contemporary relevance through poetry, theatre and music. Among these are two new poetic works, specially written and performed for the occasion by Mariangela Gualtieri and Franco Arminio, two of the most authoritative voices in contemporary Italian poetry.

The concluding moment will be introduced by the Archbishop of Milan, Archbishop Mario Delpini, who will read the original vernacular version of the Canticle of the Creatures.

The evening will continue with the new theatre production Il Cantico per le città, directed by Andrea Chiodi, bringing the verses of St. Francis to life through performances by Federica Fracassi and Angelo Di Genio, accompanied by the Clairière Children’s Choir of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana and music by Ferdinando Baroffio. A dialogue between ancient lauds and the present day, transforming the Canticle into a true collective action and ultimately involving the audience in a choral reading of the original text.

Park Ambassadors: Volvo Cars Italia and Howden

With the support of Regione Lombardia

Supporter: Comieco

In collaboration with: Doppiozero, Associazione Culturale Profumo di Milano, Sistema Bibliotecario Milano

With the patronage of: Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo and the National Committee for the Celebration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi

Media Partners: Avvenire and Radio 3