September is a tough month for everyone. Kids go back to school, days start getting shorter and the beach becomes a distant memory. Fortunately for opera lovers it is also when many musical groups open their season. Here are my top 5 (Opera and Classical) Things To Do in Florence: September edition. If you have any other concerts or events you think I should add to the list, feel free to send me a message at info@artlifeandstilettos.com.
1. Florence Cathedral, La Musica Nella Commedia Dantesca
Presented as part of a larger project called “Dante vivo” or Dante alive, by Sister Julia Bolton Holloway, who is an expert in Italian medieval literature. This project aims to present the works of Dante in a way that is accessible to modern audiences. This performance is in collaboration with musicians Federico Bardazzi and Marco Di Manno, presenting Dante’s works alongside live musical performance. The pieces chosen are those referred to by Dante at various moments throughout the Divine Comedy. This is a co-production with Teatro della Pergola.
Free entrance (reservations are requested) Sagrato di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo of Firenze), Tuesday September 8, 9:15 pm. Event info (in Italian). Info and Reservations: ofloscolende@operaduomo.firenze.it
2. Donizetti’s, Lucia di Lammermoor
The Florence opera House (Opera di Firenze) will be opening the winter season with Donizetti’s masterpiece, Lucia di Lammermoor. The classic production features the famous staging by Graham Vick and the sumptuous bel canto of Australian soprano, Jessica Pratt. Not to be missed.
LUCIA: Jessica Pratt / Sumi Jo (23, 27) / Burcu Uyar (30); EDGARDO: Jean-François Borras / Yijie Shi (23, 27, 30); ENRICO ASHTON: Julian Kim / Christian Senn (23, 27, 30); RAIMONDO: Riccardo Zanellato / Gabriele Sagona (23, 27, 30); CONDUCTOR: Fabrizio Maria Carminati; DIRECTOR: Graham Vick.
Tickets €10 – €80. Opera di Firenze, Piazzale Vittorio Gui, 1. September 22 – 27, 2015. Click for event info
3. Orchestra della Toscana, PLAY IT!
PLAY IT! is a festival dedicated to modern Italian classical music, and serves to provide space, insight, and a platform for the visionaries of today’s most interesting compositions and interpretation of Italian art music. PLAY IT! features young talent and established musicians, creating a bridge between generations of performers and composers.
5 Euros. Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99. Wednesday, September 23, 9:00 pm. Event Info.
4. Puccini’s Tosca
The Odeon Cinema with present a live performance of Puccini’s much-loved opera, Tosca, in collaboration with the Orchestra del Carmine, Firenze all’Opera, St. Mark’s Opera and the Coro del Teatro Odeon. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see a live production in one of Florence’s most famous movie theatres.
TOSCA: Sara Cervasio; CAVARADOSSI: Giorgio Casciarri; SCARPIA: Giulio Boschetti; CONDUCTOR: Alvaro Lozano; DIRECTOR: Franz Moser.
25 – 35 Euros. Cinema Odeon Firenze, Piazza Strozzi, 9:00 pm. Event info.
5. TOSCA il Suono della Voce (Confini e Sconfini di un Viaggio in Musica)
A voyage through the art of musical storytelling. The sound of the voice, with music written by Ivano Fossati.
Musical Direction: Bubbez Orchestra
Director: Massimo Venturiello
Piano, Cello and Voice: Giovanna Famulari
Guitar: Massimo de Lorenzi
Bass: Ermanno Dodaro
Drums and Percussion: Matteo di Francesco
15 Euros (12 Euros reduced). Courtyard of the Bargello Museum. September 7, 9:15 pm. Event Info.
 Things To Do in Florence, Italy, September 2015. Art Life and Stilettos.){kind=link}