18 Aug-8 Sept 2007. On the shores of Lake Maggiore, the little town of Stresa is the main host of a summer festival of classical music that has now spread to surrounding towns and villages. Concerts and recitals in churches, basilicas and historic buildings in lakeside and island villages have extended the appeal of the festival far beyond its main venue in the Palazzo dei Congressi. Founded in 1961, the festival is associated with many international artists, as well as with young musicians who have won international competitions. The festival has its own resident orchestra which collaborates with the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai.