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Not just Classical
[Susan Glasspool]

We doubt very much that you will ever be at a loss as how to spend an evening in Florence, but if you are a classical music fan, don’t forget that the city offers an excellent theatre, theatre, classical music and ballet season with a calendar that can suit all tastes. Apart from that there are plenty of pop concerts and variety shows, and many clubs and pubs organise performances of light music.

Although it is not quite time for the famous Maggio Musicale (next edition in April-May 2006), the Teatro Comunale with its fine Orchestra and Choir, offers a rich calendar throughout the year. The concert season is now at its height and studded with famous guest conductors and soloists from all over the world. And, during your stay here. you should go at least once to the opera.
Ballet fans can not only enjoy performances at the Comunale, but also at the charming little Theatre Goldoni, restored only a few years ago. Nearby Cantieri Goldonetta is now dedicated to artistic experimentation, though in 1818 it was the Delices Goldoni Salon, built by theatre impresario Luigi Gargani.

In the Santa Croce area, Teatro Verdi hosts concerts by the Orchestra della Toscana, better known as ORT, which performs throughout Tuscany. Teatro Verdi also offers a wide choice of musicals, light opera, variety and concerts by popular singers.

Concerts at the Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio have become a traditional appointment since the church was restored after the bomb attack of a few years ago. Florence Symphonietta performs here regularly, and it also hosts various festivals and specal concerts.

Meanwhile there are plenty of alternatives to the Teatro Comunale or opera house. The Amici della Musica stage some really fine concerts at the ancient Teatro della Pergola (normally used for theatre performances), while the Fiesole School of Music not only organises concerts at Villa La Torraccia, but also in Florence itself.
The Florence Chamber Orchestra holds concerts in Orsanmichele, a fascinating church that becomes quite unique when it also hosts beautiful music. The French Institute often hosts concerts and, on Sunday mornings you can go to free concerts performed by Agimus at the Careggi Hospital Auditorium (10.30am).

The Musicus Concentus concerts - almosy always Jazz - are held in the Vanni Room in Piazza del Carmine.
And, if you happen to find a band playing in one of the historic parades or in Piazza della Signoria, it is very probably the G. Rossini Philharmonic, Florence’s official City Band, which performs throughout the year.

Otherwise Saschall, Florence’s tent structured theatre provides all kinds of light entertainment, from concerts to fairs. Look out for the Oasis concert on February 6th.
The Mandela Forum near the Stadium also hosts important pop concerts during the year for all those who prefer light music.

And, if nothing else fits in with your timetable, you can always stop off at either the Church of Santa Maria de’Ricci, the Church of Dante (near Piazza della Signoria), or St. Mark’s Church (in Via Maggio), where organ and instrumental concerts are held free of charge practically every evening.

Last but not least, a piece of advice. One of the best ways of learning Italian is to go to a play at the theatre (alternatively go to see a film). You can find the widest choice at the Teatro della Pergola, closely followed by the Teatro Puccini, Cestello, Rifredi and Laudi. A few cinemas do put on films in English, but we strongly advise you to watch all films in Italian. Make the most of your stay here and really learn the language!


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