A Florence Christmas 2016 Agenda

A scene from the Nutcracker

‘Tis the season, and with it comes a diverse selection of exhibitions and upcoming concerts to mark the time of giving and glowing lights. Accompanying a gold and light-filled display of transitional medieval and Renaissance art at the Accademia, a free exhibition of rediscovered artwork at the Uffizi and a ballet loved around the world, musical performers from Tuscany and abroad will soon be in Florence to share their gift of honed talents.

AN UFFIZI CHRISTMAS GIFT

In place of the annual “I Mai Visti”(The Never Seen), works from the Uffizi storerooms at the Sala delle Poste Reali at Christmastime, the Uffizi Gallery is unveiling a new, permanent exhibition space, l’Aula Magliabechiana, below the Magliabecchian library, which will be inaugurated this week with the free art show Tutela Tricolore, I custodi dell’identità culurale.

The visitor will find pieces stolen or lost that were retrieved for the most part by the Carabinieri (military police) cultural heritage protection division. The time period spans the Second World War, starting with masterpieces by Masaccio, Pollaiolo and Bronzino that returned to Italy from Germany thanks to diplomacy by then-minister Rodolfo Siviero to the present day’s art crimes commissioned to criminals by the wealthy wanting to expand their private collections.

The devastation of terrorism is confronted in a section dedicated to the 1993 Uffizi bomb blast attributed to the Mafia; archeological finds illegally exported and brought back to Italy, the same fate which befell thefts from museums and cultural sites such as Pompeii. Another focus includes ancient sculptures and artifacts stumbled upon or found underwater by ordinary citizens who notified the police.

“The Guardian Angels of Italy’s Cultural Identity” will run until February 14, open Tues. – Sun. 10 am to 7 pm, entrance from door 2, reserve a free, guided visit at firenzemusei@operalaboratori.com.

CONCERTS

Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) is celebrating the season at their signature venue Teatro Verdi. Experience the joy of Romantic and operetta composers Strauss, Suppé, Stolz and Lehar at this performance conducted by Peter Guth. The show is entitled “Greetings from Vienna” and is being held December 24 at 5 pm.

Christmas Eve brings another special performance showcasing one of Florence’s historical organs. At the church of Santa Felicita (9 pm, free admission), Maestro Pier Paolo Donati will play Frescobaldi and Zipoli on the precious Zeffirini organ that dates back to 1572, reinstating the recently lost tradition of sharing Christmas music on antique instruments throughout churches in Florence.

The day before is another Christmas concert, scheduled in the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte for Friday, December 23 (4 pm, free admission). Violinist Michael Stuve and Giacomo Benedetti on the organ will give a rendition of the Sonatas Cycle for Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber.

For those hoping to enjoy the season through experiencing a famed opera, Nabucco, the opera based on biblical stories from the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Daniel, has four upcoming dates at the Opera di Firenze: December 20, 22 and 27 (8 pm) and December 24 (3:30 pm). This spectacular performance has live accompaniment by the Maggio Musicale Orchestra conducted by Renato Palumbo.

Again at the Opera di Firenze, the Maggio Musicale Children’s Choir is putting on their own holiday recital of traditional Christmas songs along with pieces by Chilcott (A Little Jazz Mass), Tchaikovsky and Mozart on Wednesday, December 21 at 8 pm.

Also spreading the gift of music to Florentines and visitors alike is the Polyphonic and Youth Choirs in addition to the Young Madrigal Singers, all directed by Joan Yakkey. Join these young and joyous choruses on Tuesday, December 20 for a free event followed by a holiday toast in the sumptuous setting of Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio (3:30 pm).  (carson cecil)

DANCE

The story of The Nutcracker bridges the gap between reality and the unconscious as a young girl, Clara, falls into a dream world of her making. Watch as dancing sugarplums, fighting mice, and gigantic dancing dolls, take the stage. Not only will this ballet set to music by Tchaikovsky appeal to children but also to adults looking to be inspired by the visual art of costumes and stage settings.

Similar to the imagination turning a shadow onto the wall into a dragon, Teatro Verdi’s production of The Nutcracker will allow the audience to see the world through a child’s eyes if just for two hours. Produced by Daniele Cipriani and costumed by Emanuele Luzzati, it will take place on December 22 at 4:45 pm and 8:45 pm; for more information and tickets visit teatroverdionline.it.

Featuring the Moscow Ballet, another production of The Nutcracker will paint the Teatro della Pergola with the colors of the imagination on December 23 at 8:45 pm. (danna friedman)