| Florence is most famous
for its artistic collections. The largest cultural event in the city is
the internationally acclaimed Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. This festival
has been ongoing for more than 60 years. The orchestra, under the molding
of conductor Zubin Mehta, has achieved internation recognition. The
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino hosts the top performers from the music and
ballet industry, and is held during the summer months each year. For information
and ticket pricing, you can call the Agenzia Box Office at (055) 210-804.
As far as music, Florence
is proud to claim the first piano invention. Bartolommeo Crostoferi invented
the first piano, and the first opera, Daphne, was performed in Florence
in 1598. Presently, the opera season in Florence is held in October
on the banks of the Arno River at the Teatro Comunale. You can also enjoy
chamber music on most weekends at the Teatro della Pergola.
The Teatro della Pergola also
holds drama theater, as does the Teatro Verdi. Performances are generally
conducted in Italian and are productions of classic Italian drama or translated
foreign plays.
The annual Florence
Dance Festival, first produced in 1990, is currently experiencing a lack
of funding. The festival is attempting to host the hottest names in contemporary
and classical dance. This festival is normally held during July and hosts
a myriad of outdoor activities.
As well as live theater, Florence
is also the setting for many films such as Up At The Villa and Fellinis
Tea With Mussolini. Cinema is widely appreciated in Florence and
for Italian speakers, the Art Nouveau theatre holds many experiences. For
English speakers, films are shown at the Piazza San Simone.
|
