Bach & Improvisation in the Duomo

Tuesday, May 23: O FLOS COLENDE 2017. Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, piazza del Duomo. 9:15 pm.  Free admission.

O Flos Colende – Sacred Music in Florence, celebrating its 21st year, is back with another concert at the Duomo. Founded in 1997 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the laying of the first cornerstone of Santa Maria del Fiore, the main purpose of the concert series is to acquaint the public with forgotten musical heritage.

This week welcomes master of the Mascioni organ Eugenio Maria Fagiani, a leading expert on the art of musical improvisation. As a concert pianist, he has performed on multiple stages all around the world from Bethlehem, to London, to New York. Fagiani is the organist at the La Verna sanctuary in the province of Arezzo where he also serves as the artistic director of the International Festival of Organ Music.

The program will begin with Bach’s famous Prelude and Fugue BWV 552, then continue with Mahler’s Adagietto from Symphony n. 5, Jauchzet Frohlocket (Rejoice, Rejoice!) choral themes composed by Fagiani but based on works by Bach, and will finish with the festive Prelude and Fugue by Franz Schmidt.

The highlight of the evening will be a special improvisation section by Eugenio Maria Fagiani with suggestions taken directly from the audience.

The event is free but it is highly recommended guests make reservations by calling 055 230228, emailing eventi@operaduomo.firenze.it, or visiting www.operaduomo.firenze.it. (tessa lucia debole)