Venice - classical concerts and opera

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to take them to the opera, particularly if that's something you want to do. Are you thinking of La Fenice? It's so beautiful, they'd enjoy just seeing it. I remember being taken to the opera when I was 9 - it seemed to go on forever, but in a good way, as if I were living in it. Since your kids play stringed instruments, they'd enjoy it all the more.

An alternative may be to check out the local churches in Venice. When we were there last Summer, we discovered a touring German college brass group that performed in Frari Church at night for the cost of a collection plate donation. It was strictly a classical concert, not a religious event. It was great sitting in Frari at night. So, you may be able to find something similar. We stumbled across the event when visiting Frari during the day. Perhaps, there are church websites you can check out. I would think you could find Vivaldi or a nice string quartet playing somewhere in Venice.

I checked the schedule at La Fenice and see only the operas playing on your dates. I might suggest checking back with them as your trip nears - I was just in Venice and attended a lovely concert at La Fenice - €60 ticket, show at 5pm, and total length of 1.5 hours (including intermission). Something like that would allow the kids to still see and experience La Fenice, but not demand the attention span (or late hour) that an opera will require. I'm all for exposing kids to the performing arts, but it's important to do it in a way that's fun, and not boring or a chore, for them. If they'd truly enjoy an opera, you'd know better than me. :) I also know some folks who take their kids to operas, but are prepared to leave at intermission if the kids get too restless.

The other idea to catch a performance in a church is great, and you'll probably have quite a few options. I did Rick's audio tour of the Friar's church and really enjoyed my time there. It would be a beautiful setting for a concert.

On your first day in Venice, visit the Museo Della Musica ( free admission) to see the old instruments and the exhibit on Vivaldi. They sell tickets to Vivaldi concerts in the San Vidal church. There is one almost every night, mostly strings plus harpsichord. They are performing the Four Seasonsnon March 26; other concerti on the earlier nights.

http://www.interpretiveneziani.com/en/index.php

You may also find a string quartet performing in one of the squares if you walk around. We had one playing in Campo San Lio several times during our month there.

I second Lola's endorsement of the Interpreti Venezia concert at San Vidal - I have experienced a concerti there on three separate visits to Venice in the past 4 years. Look for a night when David is scheduled to be the cellist. To make it a perfect evening: in the same piazza as San Vidal, go to Stefano's for dinner before the concert and get some gelato directly across from Stefano's at the southwest corner (I don't remember the name of the place there). Get to the concert 30 to 45 min early to get a good seat - it is general admission. Tickets are a little cheaper from their website. Get a hotel on the island - don't be a mainland daytripper :)

Another vote for Interpreti Veneziani. They'll get a kick out of the cellist (who's the leader). He throws his whole body into playing. And they're VERY good.

The caution about operas in Italy is that you won't get supratitles in English to help you figure out what's going on. A lot of people don't think about that. That said, we thoroughly enjoyed a shoestring budget scaled-back production of La Boheme several years ago at San Giovanni Evangelista. The orchestra was a six piece band, with an electric keyboard for various effects. The soprano could have performed at the Met, she was so good.

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions. I think we will go with interpreti veneziani. The cheapest seats I can find still available for the opera are nearly 800 euro for the 4 of us.