Music and play come together in a unique event. On Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 5:30 pm, the "G. Arpino" Civic Library in Bra will host the "Concert for Toy Piano and Toy Instruments," a performance that transforms playful objects into refined art.
The concert was born from the desire to explore the inextricable bond between playing and playing. This relationship is so ancient and profound that in many languages—such as English (to play), French (jouer), and German (spielen)—the two concepts are expressed by the same verb. The star of the evening will be the toy piano, an instrument of miniature size yet with an extraordinary tonal personality. Performing will be Antonietta Loffredo, an internationally renowned pianist and musicologist specializing in the study and promotion of toy instrument repertoire. The musical program will feature works by contemporary composers who have written specifically for the toy piano, including music by Paul Smith, John Kennedy, Diana Blom, James Joslin, Alicia Sánchez Reyes, Marina Masiero, and Matthew Hindson.
The event holds special significance for the Bra community: the concert is the city's tribute to Michele Chiesa. A highly sensitive antique dealer and a key figure in the creation and development of the Bra Toy Museum, Chiesa dedicated his life to preserving the memory of play. The ceremony will be attended by the dealer's family and the city administration.
The initiative is part of the 26th Children's Book Fair (May 20-24) and the Toy Museum's calendar of activities.
Admission is free, subject to availability.
For information: City of Bra, Culture Office Tel. 0172.430185 – promozione@comune.bra.cn.it – www.museidibra.it
