Concerts at Florence’s ‘Musical Markets’

Loggia of Piazza dei Ciompi

Mercati Storici in Musica will offer free live music in the streets leading to an in outdoor markets for the eighth consecutive year from in September and October in several piazzas throughout Florence. Organized by “Arte & Mercati,” the series features a range of music that guests can enjoy in different outdoor venues.

An upcoming event, “C’era un ragazzo che come me…” (There was a boy like me) showcases the Redgala Quartett, composed of all strings instruments and singers on September 10 at 9:30 pm in Loggia di Piazza de’Ciompi.

The Redgala Quartett will present another concert in Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio on September 17 at 9:30 pm. The group will play music from 1951-2013 with a program entitled “Sanremo.”

Featuring Claudio Corona Belgrave (vocalist) and Mikhail Pazi (guitar), the series will host “Ritmi latini dalle Americhe” on September 24 at 9:30 pm in Loggia di Piazza de’Ciompi. The evening features Latin-American music and offers a cultural fusion influenced by Europe and African sounds as well.

Four performances will be held in the streets between Piazza Duomo and San Lorenzo at 8 pm and are part of the subseries called Music in San Lorenzo. The first concert, “New Orleans e la sua musica” (New Orleans and its music) feature repertoire typical of the city on September 7. The second event will highlight European and African music in “Ritmi tra Africa e Europa” (Rhythms between Africa and Europe) on September 14.

To celebrate jazz and music of the ’20s, a program titled “Liberamente” is scheduled on September 21.  Concluding the concerts in San Lorenzo is “Ragtime e Jazz,”  featuring traditional New Orleans street jazz on September 28.

Concert Per la Pace (Concert for the Peace) is on the program October 15 at 7:30 pm on the steps in the square in front of Basilica di San Lorenzo. “Gospel, Gospel” headlines Lucrezia’s One Voice Gospel Choir, All For One Choir UK, both accompanied by pianist Giacomo Ferrari.

For more information, visit www.mercatiinmusic.com.   (francesca billington)