I am planning the trip for my family of 4 to Italy this summer (June). We are going to Venice/Florence/Cinque Terre. We are huge fans of opera and ballet. I have been looking for events for us to attend in Venice and Florence. Lots of what I find are touristy concerts, which is not what I am looking for. I think I might be looking to early in the year, but any advice on finding real performances?
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1763 posts
http://www.operadifirenze.it/
http://www.teatrolafenice.it/
It is bit too early to look for next June as most programs are still to be finalized.
Posted by
Green Bay
21278 posts
There are just a few opera performances at La Fenice in early June. La Traviata June 1 and L'Elisir d'Amore on June 3 & 5. Then there are Sat & Sun concerts with the orchestra the next 2 weekends.
You might try the Arena di Verona Opera Festival that gets going in mid June. Carmen June 22 & 29, Aida June 23 & 28, Turandot June 30. The operas start at 9 pm, so it is not practical to return to Venice that night, but maybe you can stop in Verona for a night on the way to Florence.
http://www.arena.it/arena/en
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We went to a delightful shoe-string budget production of La Boheme in Venice at San Giovanni Evangelista. The soprano (Mimi) should be onstage at the Met.
Posted by
Chicago
8687 posts
Opera is usually not on in summer -- the season starts in the fall most places. This is true in the US as well.
Have you looked at Maggio Musicale in Florence? It runs into June usually and is first rate. If the Fenice is performing that would be great, but I would be surprised.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
Another vote for the Arena di Verona! I've seen both Aida and Carmen there over the last several years. Fantastic experience! I suggest getting tickets for a specific seat, part way up, close to the middle. (That way you don't sweat getting there super early to get a run on the cheap seats on the side. Also the designated seats have seat back, vs. sitting on the stone without a back.) Also be sure to rent a seat cushion as you go in. The production's use of the entire end 1/4 of the arena in the staging and set is fabulous. You will need to get a room in Verona for the night as the last trains have returned to Venice (or Florence) by the time the production is over.