Hans Werner Henze live in Montepulciano

Experience Hans Werner Henze live on August 2nd

On August 2nd, 2026, a concert dedicated to the works of Hans Werner Henze will take place at the Tempio di San Biagio in Montepulciano, Italy. Henze (1926-2012) was a German composer known for a highly individual style characterized by lyrical intensity, dramatic flair, and a rejection of strict serialism. His compositions often explore themes of alienation, political unrest, and human psychology, frequently incorporating elements of Italian opera traditions alongside modernist techniques. He wrote extensively for voice and orchestra, as well as chamber ensembles and solo instruments.

The Tempio di San Biagio is a Renaissance church located just outside the historic center of Montepulciano, Tuscany. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and built between 1518 and 1540, it’s considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Commissioned following a miraculous event attributed to Saint Biagio – the recovery of a relic believed to protect against throat illnesses – the church stands as a symbol of civic pride and religious devotion for Montepulciano. Its design emphasizes harmonic proportions and classical orders, featuring a prominent dome and a symmetrical façade.