‘Altissima Luce’: Free Jazz Concert in the Duomo

If there is one thing better than seeing the Duomo, it’s experiencing a curated jazz concert performed inside the walls of the grand church itself. For one beautiful evening on October 26 (9:15 pm), the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore will present their first event since April “Altissima  Luce,” a contemporary performance based on ancient music featuring the sounds of Paolo Fresu and Daniele di Bonaventura. 

First performed in 2016 in St. Peter’s Basilica in Perugia, “Altissima Luce” (The Highest Light) focuses on  the duo’s inspiration from Il Laudario di Cortona, the oldest collection of music written in the  Italian language which dates back to the 13th century. Written around the same time as Dante’s  life, it can be considered the musical Divine Comedy, as its use of the Italian language and  spiritual overtones were used to incite a sense of community and feelings of devotion in one’s  faith. Mostly offering praise for the Virgin Mary, the monodic manuscript also references the Franciscans and many saints as it plays on for 47 lauds, 12 of which will be interpreted at the concert. 

The well-known trumpet and flugelhorn player Paolo Fresu along with famed bandoneon player Daniele di Bonaventura have created a new arrangement of Il Laudario and play it with a modern jazz  twist to fill the space of the Duomo as they bring this experience to Florence for the first time.  Their music will be accompanied by a quartet featuring Michel Rabbia and Marco Bardoscia,  along with the new Perugia Chamber Orchestra and Armoniosoincanto Vocal Group. This event  has been organized thanks to the support of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore and the production and artistic leadership of Musicus Concentus.  (Antoinetta Damico)

Tickets are free if booked in advanced at the following link:

https://duomo.firenze.it/it/eventi/7154/altissima-luce-laudario-da-cortona